R6 million set aside for Taung Fruit and Veg hub, announced MEC Tshwene

The North West MEC for Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, Mr Boitumelo Tshwene, says plans are at an advanced stage regarding the establishment of a fruit and vegetable depot for Taung farmers. Tshwene made this announcement today, while presenting the budget vote speech for his department at the North West Provincial Legislature.

MEC Tshwene told the Legislature that a feasibility study was conducted by the National Agricultural Marketing Council and the results were in favour of Taung, primarily due to the departmental irrigation infrastructure and mechanisation interventions already taking place in that area. 

"We have realised that the horticulture producers and smallholder farmers had been struggling to get access to formal markets for their produce. To sustain the potential agricultural growth for the economy of Taung, 175 vegetable producers around the Taung irrigation scheme have been registered to become legitimate members of Taung Fruit and Vegetable Hub", explained MEC Tshwene.

The R6 million set aside for this project will address the production inputs and further infrastructural developments.

"In our endeavour to encourage market-oriented production, we have already linked the Taung Fruit and Vegetables Hub to both Klerksdorp and Kimberly Fresh Produce Markets before they even embark on production", stated MEC Tshwene.

Enquiries:
Bonolo Mohlakoana
Tel: 018 389 5719
Cell: 082 901 2435
E-mail: bmohlakoana@nwpg.gov.za

Source: North West Agriculture and Rural Development