The Gauteng Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (GDARD) will strengthen its Maize Triangle Revitalisation programme which supports farmers with production inputs as part of working towards food security and create 2000 decent jobs in the next financial year.
The programme, launched last year in the Vaal, will this year benefit the West Rand and Metsweding Districts. The department will also ensure the improvement of rural services to support livelihoods by launching the Comprehensive Rural Development Strategy in Devon, Hekpoort, Sokhulumi and Bantu-Bonke.
The strategy will focus on providing road infrastructure, electricity; stimulate agricultural economic development and on-farm agricultural infrastructure. As part of rural development, more Thusong Services Centres will be established to bring services such as information, identity document (ID) applications and other government services.
The department's MEC Nandi Mayathula-Khoza said, "GDARD will establish 60 agricultural cooperatives with local markets, provide research and development programmes, support 20 cooperatives with agro-processing facilities and facilitate the zero hunger campaign by supporting 11 000 food gardens.
"GDARD will continue to protect environmental assets and natural resources and create green jobs through the Expanded Public Works Programme. We will also address environmental impact related to mining, climate change and adapt investable changes."
Last year the department supported 3 382 food gardens, skills training and access to finance. It also recruited 1 190 youth who are being trained to profile households in the rural areas.
"As part of our commitment to addressing the scarce skills within the sector, we provide bursaries towards studying agricultural biotechnology, agricultural science, environmental science, animal health, veterinary science and conservation," concluded the MEC.
Source: SAPA
