In its concerted effort to ensure that subsistence fresh fruit and vegetable farmers meet and satisfy the required market standards for produce, the North West Department of Agriculture and Rural Development has in partnership with the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries and the Perishable Products Export Control Board (PPECB), embarked on a farmers training course that started recently at Rustenburg. This training is scheduled to run in four sessions, and will end in March next year.
A total of fifty (50) fruit and vegetable farmers from across the province have been identified for participation in this training programme.
“In selecting the participants, the department looked at farmers who are already in the fruit and vegetable production sector and have demonstrated some level of commitment towards food security”, explained Bonolo Mohlakoana, the departmental spokesperson, who also stated that the design of the training programme is such that twenty five (25) farmers from the Bojanala Platinum and Dr Kenneth Kaunda Districts will be trained together and the other twenty five from Ngaka Modiri Molema and Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati districts will be in a separate session.
The Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries is funding the project and has appointed the Perishable Products Export Control Board (PPECB) to obtain trainers who are highly specialised in this field.
“Though the department is offering training through its Structured Agricultural Training and Empowerment Directorate”, explains Dr Poncho Mokaila, Chief Director for Agricultural Support Services, “it was essential to engage specialised training so as to bring farmers on par with their commercial counterparts. This will also assist the farmers to meet required standards as set, improve the quality on their produce and enable them to access the appropriate markets, be it locally, nationally or even internationally”, he said.
Since farmers will in some instances use pesticides as part of their daily farming activities, these farmers will be trained on how to use pesticides. This course is intended to improve the safe handling of pesticides and minimise the risks involved on the farmers, other users and the environment.
Expressing his delight about the objective of this training course, MEC for Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, Mr Boitumelo Tshwene encouraged farmers to make good use of this opportunity, and ensure that what they will be taught is effectively put into practice.
The course will cover modules on Safe use of pesticides, Food safety, Good agricultural products and relevant legislations.
Enquiries:
Bonolo Mohlakoana
Tel: 018 389 5719
Cell: 082 901 2435
E-mail: bmohlakoana@nwpg.gov.za
Source: North West Department of Agriculture and Rural Development
Subsistence fruit and vegetable farmers equipped to produce quality crop
Province
