The North West Department of Agriculture, Conservation, Environment and Rural Development will during the current financial year, prioritise the revitalisation of the previously distressed projects such as those threatened by the Land Bank repossession, the female and youth projects as well as the collapsed agricultural projects.
The department will as a result of this consideration, target a total of 107 agricultural projects for assessment and assistance.
This was announced by MEC Boitumelo Tshwene during his departmental budget vote speech, at the Provincial Legislature on Tuesday.
Tshwene said with this strategy, his department will be able to minimise the number of unsustainable or non-viable projects and in the process develop land and agrarian beneficiaries to make a meaningful living with the projects that the department supports.
“To enhance this approach,” added MEC Tshwene, “we will also during this financial year, review our livestock improvement strategy in order to develop comprehensive support packages for livestock farmers.”
On youth participation in the sector, MEC Tshwene said young people will be exposed to hands on experience in the field of agriculture, conservation and environment through the envisaged youth development programmes.
“Furthermore, ten environmental youth clubs with a membership of 300 will be established and supported. A total of 92 young people will also benefit through targeted learnership programme initiatives,” announced MEC Boitumelo Tshwene.
Issued by: Department of Agriculture, Conservation, Environment and Rural Development, North West Provincial Government
18 May 2010
