Farmers in the Maize triangle will today be given a helping hand as the Gauteng Provincial Government launches its Maize Triangle Strategy.
The Premier of Gauteng, Nomvula Mokonyane; MEC for Economic Development, Firoz Cachalia and MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development, Nandi Mayathula-Khoza launched the Strategy at the at Zeekoeifontein Farm, in Holfontein Midvaal today.
The Maize triangle Strategy aims to provide support and build capacity among farmers to assist them to become self-sufficient and ensure food security for the province and the country at large, through a grain development programme.
The project forms part of the larger Gauteng Employment, Growth and Development Strategy (GEGDS).
"As part of the Gauteng Employment, Growth and Development Strategy, GEGDS, the Maize Triangle Project aims to enhance food security, promote employment and increase productivity of maize farmers," said Premier Mokonyane."
She added that the GEGDS has a vision of creating decent work and an inclusive sustainable economy. The Maize Triangle Strategy addresses all aspects of this vision through increased production of maize and other grains, assisting poor farmers with meager resources to join the mainstream maize production industry, and creating decent jobs in the agriculture and manufacturing sectors.
MEC Cachalia, who is upbeat about the economic growth in the province especially after the growth path has been identified through GEGDS said: "The handing over of tractors and planting implements today is a clear indication that the government is on course in fulfilling the promises we made that we will create decent jobs and thereby create sustainable communities."
Addressing the legislature during the departmental budget vote, MEC Nandi Mayathula-Khoza said, "My department is committed to developing a plan to revive the Maize Triangle during this current financial year as part of the Revised Gauteng Agricultural Development Strategy.
"The revival of the Maize Triangle will also boost the growth of the agricultural economic sector, ensure food security, and alleviate poverty while creating jobs," she added In Gauteng there are three district municipalities that fall within the Maize Triangle. These municipalities are Sedibeng, West Rand and Metsweding.
For more information please contact:
Dumisani Zulu
Tel: 011 355 6218
Cell: 082 602 3532
Siphiwe Hlope
Tel: 011 355 8150
Cell: 082 411 9229
Makoko Lekola
Tel: 011 355 1326
Cell: 072 274 3692
Source: Sapa
