Gearing towards excellence in irrigation technology
Through the Haldor Topsoe R10m donation which was aimed to boost the efforts to create an excellent centre in irrigation technology, the Taung College of Agriculture is making significant progress to live up to this vision. On Friday, 17 July 2015 the Department of Rural, Environment and Agricultural Development (READ) which administers the colleges of Agriculture in the province including Taung led the launch of two of the key projects in line with the revitalisation programme of the college.
In 2011, the then Deputy President of South Africa, Mr Kgalema Motlanthe visited Greater Taung Municipality during the War on Poverty Programme, in order to evaluate measures on how government can intervene in depressed areas of Taung to alleviate poverty. Amongst the needs as government intervention identified by the community, Taung Agricultural College (TAC) was prioritised as critical area for funding.
The College has now committed the funds to implement two of the seven identified projects. Premier Supra Mahumapelo and MEC Manketsi Tlhape led the Sod turning for the Water and Soil Laboratory as well as the launch of the mobile training nnit. Accompanied by some managers in the provincial government including Dr Lydia Sebego and Professor Mokgoro and representatives of the District Municipality, the delegation turned the soil for the R3,3 m laboratory. The laboratory is expected to cater for both soil science and water management studies/practicals as the college currently serve as a centre of irrigation. The new laboratory will be used for soil and water analysis for the college and farmers from the surrounding communities especially farmers who are close to the Vaalharts irrigation scheme.
Taung College Head, Ms Prudence Matlhoko said the laboratory will be equipped with the latest technology in order to give the students the best education available. She said it will further act as a facility to test soil and water conditions for local farmers.
Having noted the challenge that the College exists within rural communities most of which are still trapped within the poverty and food insecurity margin, the department prioritised the need for a mobile training truck for community outreach programme. The specially designed multi-purpose truck termed "College on the Wheels" will be used to access people who cannot afford to access the services offered by the college which include training of farmers and advisory services on farm management practices without them having to commute to the college. This will further enhance household food security and publicity for the college.
The R1,1 m farmer training unit is fully equipped with TV/ video, sound system, solar panel, and mobile stock handling facility. The truck will also have prepared training material in the format and language suitable for farmers, Information packages that can be disseminated in various media (pamphlets, posters, radio, internet, CD, farmer’s days/ harvest days etc.) and schedule according to season.
Premier Supra Mahumapelo expressed appreciation to the efforts of the department. Premier said the project reflect 'good, world-class and advanced efforts". He said it was critical for READ to keep its position as one of the economic leaders of the province.
MEC Manketsi Tlhape has echoed Premier Supra Mahumapelo's sentiments. She said it was important for the College to liven its revitalisation programme. MEC Tlhape commended the college leadership on the implementation of their plan and said she believed all the planned projects in line with the revitalisation programme will receive their deserved attention.
The laboratory project is planned for three year having started immediately after sod turning, on 17 July, however the project manager is confident that they can run the project for only 18 months.
Enquiries:
Thandiwe Moripe-Thabethe
Tel: 018 389 5337/8
Cell: 071 862 4270
E-mail: tmoripe@nwpg.gov.za
