As the country is this month paying tribute to the heroism of the 1976 generation, the MEC for North West Department of Agriculture and Rural Development Desbo Mohono, says the distinct contribution that young farmers are continuing to make in the agricultural sector must be embraced.
MEC Mohono says the department appreciates the fact that young people are beginning to clear off all negative perceptions they had about agriculture, and are grabbing and pioneering opportunities presented to them by the department.
Mohono says their contribution in agricultural production is even more crucial given the current climatic change which is most likely to have an impact on food production and security.
“Young people must continue to play their part as discussions around climate change continue to heat up, and ensure that their contributions, ideas or experiences form part of the lasting solution to this world-wide challenge”, says MEC Mohono who maintains that young people ought to own their destiny.
“We need young people who are energised, focused and passionate about agriculture to help the world realise the Millennium Development Goal of halving poverty and hunger by 2015”, said Mohono.
As part of its support towards developing youth projects, the department of Agriculture and Rural Development has provided infrastructural support to a number of youth projects which include amongst others, Rethabile Youth Agricultural Cooperative in Morokweng village who are now selling animal vaccines to the local farmers as part of the department’s Primary Animal Health Care programme initiative, Mr Clifford Nkokou who is one of the youngest Nguni Cattle project beneficiaries from Ganyesa village, Miga Youth Seedling Cooperative from Miga village which through the support from the department will soon harvest and sell vegetables, fruits and flowers seedlings, Ms Tlamelo Mfaladi of Lokaleng village who is producing organic and in-organic vegetables, and Ms Perseverance Madoda who breeds chickens in Matlosana.
“Whatever you do as a young person, go out there and make a difference. The time to claim your space in agriculture is now, because the future is not some place we are going to, but one we are creating”, encouraged MEC Mohono.
Contact Person:
Bonolo Mohlakoana
Tel: 018 389 5719
Cell: 082 901 2435 / 018 389 5719
E-mail: bmohlakoana@nwpg.gov.za /mohlakoana.bonolo@gmail.com
