The Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development Ms. Thoko Didiza, MP is excited by the latest GDP numbers released by StatsSA earlier this morning. The positive GDP numbers for the agricultural sector are a good testimony to the collaborative efforts that government, farmers, industry captains and other value chain players embarked on in 2020 in the midst of worse pandemic in recent history.
The Minister says the pandemic regulations, which recognized agriculture as an essential service, also provided a needed policy support for the sector. “We are also thankfully to the farmers who capitalized on good rainfall and effectively utilized the land and produced food that was not only good for us as South Africans but also boosted food supply for the African continent and the global community,” said Minister Didiza
The StatsSA reported that agricultural gross-value added grew by 13.1%, which surpassed the initial expectation of 10% by our analysts in the sector. This year, 2021, also started with good footing and the department’s analyst are looking at another year of growth of agricultural fortunes.
“I look forward to us as a collective maintaining this positive growth while also ensuring that there is inclusivity in the sector,” concluded Minister Didiza.
Enquiries:
Media Liaison Officer and Spokesperson
Mr Reggie Ngcobo
Cell: 082 883 2458
E-mail: MLO.Minister@dalrrd.gov.za
