Its all systems go for agri-parks in the North West province. Following a visit by Minister Gugile Nkwinti of Rural Development and Land Reform and MEC for Rural Environmental and Agricultural Development, Manketsi Tlhape, the North West agri-parks is set for implementation. Both Minister Nkwinti and MEC Tlhape made an official visit of agri-parks at Springbokpan on the 04 May 2015. The visit was to assess the state of readiness of the Springbokpan silos. The Silo is being refurbished as part of the establishment of agri-parks in the province.
Three agri-parks have been identified for the province of North West and these are Springbokpan, Moretele and Vryburg. Economically viable sites in all 27 priority districts have been identified across the country for the construction of agri-parks and R2 billion has been made available for this agri-park initiative, of which 1% will go into capacity building especially in municipalities. The establishment of these agri-parks follows a pronouncement made by President Jacob Zuma in his State of the Nation address earlier this year when he committed government to promoting agri-parks and transforming rural economies.
Springbokpan agri-parks will consist of Milling (starch and animal), mechanization warehouse, input warehouse as well as Foodbank. In its essence the creation of agri-parks will assist the province with amongst others; to contribute to its earmarked 6% economic growth with the Department of Rural Environmental and Agricultural Development being one of the leaders. It is also meant to ensure job creation, generate revenue as well as to empower women and youth. It is envisaged to attract investment in both domestic & international fund markets and ensure food security in rural households and revival of food gardens in rural areas. The agri-parks would also implement sub sector operator model to enforce clustering & processing thereby creating market access.
Elaborating on the Agri-Park concept, MEC Manketsi Tlhape said the initiative is meant to support farmers. She emphasised that it is important for farmers to be hands on the initiative. She said the farmers have tasks of producing what would be in the Silos. MEC Tlhape said government is still to decide on the percentage that farmers are to contribute to the silos. "It is therefore up to the farmers to ensure that the agri-parks concept lives," she added.
Minister Nkwinti spoke eagerly on this national government initiative and added that the concept is ready for implementation and should therefore go ahead. Minister also echoed MEC Tlhape's sentiments that farmers should be part of the initiative. He emphasised the need for communities in North West to ensure that every land is productive. "If we have a productive land then our Silos would fulfil their purpose. Minister further announced government's plan for producers to own 70% of the agri-parks. The remaining 30% will be for government and other contributors. Minister Nkwinti reiterated that it was important for government to look into the existing infrastructure hence the refurbishment at Springbokpan.
Mr Morule, one of the Ngaka Modiri Molema District farmers was excited about the Agri-Park initiative and urged other farmers to embrace it. He said he was happy that government was now leading them to the way they had always wanted. He said the resuscitation of the silos was long overdue.
With the progress made on the Springbokpan agri-park, Minister Nkwinti was confident that the national launch led by President Jacob Zuma would be hosted by the North West Province.
Enquiries:
Thandiwe Moripe
Tel: 018 389 5337/8
Cell: 071 862 4270
E-mail: tmoripe@nwpg.gov.za
