Mahikeng– Farmer support and rural development were firmly in the spotlight when North West MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development, Madoda Sambatha, delivered the Department’s Budget Vote and Policy Speech on Wednesday, 24 June 2026 at the North West Provincial Legislature. The R1.2 billion budget sets out focused measures aimed at improving support for farmers and strengthening agricultural production in the province.
A key feature of the budget is investment in farmer skills development, with R8 327 100 allocated totrain more than 2 200 farmers in crop production, animal production and agro-processing. This training is expected to improve productivity and help farmers meet required standards.
To strengthen ongoing support, the Department has allocated R10 649 100 for farmer mentorship programmes. This will provide practical guidance to farmers and improve farm management and
sustainability. In addition, R12 053 923 has been set aside to support unemployed agricultural graduates through training and stipends. This intervention aims to grow a new generation of farmers and build capacity within the sector. These combined initiatives bring the total investment in farmer development to R22 703 023, reflecting a focused effort to equip farmers with the skills and support needed to grow their enterprises.
The budget also prioritises production support, with R153.1 million allocated through the Comprehensive Agricultural Support Programme (CASP). This funding will assist farmers with inputs
such as seeds, fertiliser and infrastructure to improve output.
To ensure farmers receive technical assistance, MEC Sambatha has announced a budget of R35.5 million for extension and advisory services. This will help improve access to expertise and strengthen service delivery across farming communities.
“This investment is meant to bring services closer to farmers and ensure that the support they need is available where they operate. Through strengthened extension and advisory services, we are
working to improve access to technical expertise, enhance productivity and assist farmers to run sustainable and competitive enterprises,” said MEC Sambatha
Farmers have welcomed the budget, noting its focus on practical support. Kesaobaka Sejesho, an emerging poultry farmer and agro-processor from Christiana in the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati
District Municipality, said: “I am encouraged by this year’s DARD budget vote. It is refreshing to see a stronger focus on supporting youth, women, agro-processors, and poultry farmers. As an emerging poultry farmer and agro-processor working towards becoming a commercial producer, I finally feel seen and included in this vision.
“I am particularly encouraged by the commitment to commercialising emerging farmers, strengthening agro-processing, investing in skills development, and creating employment opportunities. These are the kinds of interventions that can transform small farming businesses into sustainable commercial enterprises. My hope is that the budget allocated will translate into real opportunities on the ground, helping emerging farmers grow, create jobs, and contribute to the economy, especially after the significant employment losses our province has experienced. I look forward to seeing these commitments become tangible results, and I hope that next year we will be telling a very different success story for agriculture in the North West,” Sejesho said.
Echoing similar sentiments, Neo Mohlamme, a farmer from the Dr Kenneth Kaunda District, said the speech covered key areas affecting farmers, including rural projects and farmer development
initiatives. She noted that it reflects the realities faced by farmers and highlights areas that requireattention.
She further welcomed the Department’s plans to assist farmers without land, saying this would create opportunities for new entrants and enable more people to participate in agriculture and expand production.
The budget sets out a clear direction for farmer support, with focus on skills development, production support and improved access to opportunities as the Department works to grow the agricultural sector. The Department has called on farmers, stakeholders and partners to work together to ensure that the planned interventions translate into real impact on the ground, strengthen rural livelihoods and contribute to economic growth across the province.
Ends
Issued by
The Communication Services Directorate
Enquiries: Ms Emelda Setlhako
Tel: 018 384 3117/ Cell: 060 745 4020
Email: ESetlhako@nwpg.gov.za
Website:www.nwpg.gov.za/Agriculture/
Facebook:www.facebook.com/nwdard