Small Medium and Micro Enterprises benefit the most at the 2018 BAGGIS
The North West Department of Rural, Environment and Agricultural Development (READ) hosted the 4th annual provincial agricultural and investment show which took place from the 20- 23 November 2018. The four day event was hosted at Kgora Training Centre in Ramatlabama (Mahikeng).
The show serves as a platform for the government to engage with entrepreneurs, farmers, agricultural experts and students to on how to further grow the province’s agricultural sector.
The great success of the first show in 2015 has enabled the department to showcase its multiple expertises from research, veterinary, training and many others.
The show continues to grow yearly and over 100 exhibitors showcased at the 2018 BBAGIS. Tebogo Ntsizi, co-owner of the 68 Primary Co-operative which is based in Klerksdorp and produces Mango Atchaar exhibited at this year’s show and has expressed her delight at the exposure her company has gained over the four years that the show has taken place.
“We were able network and distribute our contact details to potential customers who showed interest in stocking our product in bulk to resell. I would definitely recommend that other companies get involved in the upcoming event to market their products and services” she said.
In addition to external exhibitors, the department showcased services it offers to the public. Mr Daniel Taje, a farmer from Delareyville visited the Veterinary Services stall to gather information as he had a challenge with dying livestock for the past months. Taje said “I am very happy with the services Dr Madyibi gave me.
He took his time to explain to me what the possible causes of my dying livestock could be and shared information on how I could benefit from the state veterinary services which I will be using in future. The show has also enlightened me about technology and machinery that will be of benefit to my farm”.
MEC for READ, Manketsi Tlhape, accompanied by the Deputy Minister for the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Sfiso Buthelezi, Head of Department, Dr Poncho Mokaila, other dignitaries and department officials visited exhibitors’ stalls which varied from agro-processing, horticulture, aquaculture, livestock and biodiversity and expressed that she was impressed by the high quality of products and equipment she saw at various stalls.
Friday 23 November 2018 was a livestock production day which featured livestock auction for emerging and commercial farmers. A total number of five hundred and ninety (590) cattle, one hundred and twenty five (125) sheep, three hundred and three (303) goats and forty (40) pigs were sold on the day and a total turn-over was R4,7 million from auction only.
Intrigued by what he saw during the duration of BBAGIS, Mr Joe Kgobokoe who serves as the Deputy Director General of Policy, Planning & Monitoring & Evaluation from the national ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, said what the province is doing he can confidently say, it is on the right direction.
He went on to congratulate the Department of READ in the province under the leadership of MEC Manketsi Tlhape and the Head of Department Dr Poncho Mokaila for their hard work and praised them for coming up with the BBAGIS concept.
“I have been attending this show since its inception and the show has grown from strength to strength. I have no doubt that in 2019 and beyond we are going to see wonders.
“Bokone Bophirima has distinguished itself among other provinces with this concept of BBAGIS. All other provinces should follow on the province’s trails with regard to the good work that you are doing in the agricultural sector.
“They must visit, sit down and learn from you,” said DDG Kgobokoe.
He said when government is talking about invigorating rural economy; it is referring to what BBAGIS is doing in the North West Province.
Kgobokoe encouraged farmers and everyone to continue with the hard work and to make sure there is more production.
Over one hundred exhibitors registered to display and sell their products at this year’s BBAGIS.
Enquiries:
Emelda Setlhako
Tel: 018 389 5684 / 5719
Cell: 060 745 4020
E-mail: ESetlhako@nwpg.gov.za
