The Gauteng Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (GDARD) launched the Maize Triangle project in October 2010. The project is aimed at increasing maize production in Gauteng. One of the Gauteng Provincial Government priorities for 2009 to 2014 is the revitalisation of the Maize Triangle. The land surface area of Gauteng which is used to produce maize is 105 000ha, making it the most widely produced crop in the province.
Agriculture plays an important role in the economy of the province and in South Africa and maize, in particular, is an important crop for many people in the country. According to departmental officials, the areas that are currently dominated by maize fields and which form the core of the Maize Triangle include the following:
- Sedibeng District Municipality (Emfuleni Local Municipality, Lesedi Local Municipality and the Midvaal Local Municipality)
- Metsweding District Municipality (Kungwini Local Municipality)
- West Rand District Municipality (Westonaria Local Municipality, Merafong Local Municipality, Randfontein Local Municipality)
When the Maize Triangle project was officially launched last year it included the following activities:
- Maize planting (which was led by the MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development Ms Nandi Mayathula-Khoza and the provincial Department of Economic Development (DED))
- Distribution of production inputs (seeds, fertilizers, pesticides, diesel)
- Tractors handed to communities and local municipalities (12 tractors, 12 mould board ploughs, 12 Ddsc harrows, 12 rippers, 12 (4-row) planters, 12 boom sprayers)
It is critical to indicate that the maize project in the province has benefitted several farmers. The 12 tractors and equipment have since been allocated to municipalities for use by farmers. The municipalities are putting in place lease agreements. Production inputs were distributed to farmers for about 2000ha in Sedibeng, Metsweding and West Rand District Municipalities.
GDARD also aims to expand the Maize Triangle project activities for the 2010 to 2012 financial years to focus on the following:
- Production input support as well as an increase in mechanisation support
- Signing marketing contracts with farmers by AFGRI and /or SENWES for 25,000 tons of maize, estimated to be valued at R25 million in the 2011/12 financial year.
- A milling plant will be established so that farmers can access the market with better ease. GDARD and DED are currently commissioning a feasibility study with a view of supporting this initiative.
