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The North West Department of Agriculture and Rural Development with the National Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development have handed over Seedbank site to Kgosi Mamogale and Jericho local community. This is the third site for the national department since the efforts to establish the sites has begun. The other sites are Gumbu in Limpopo as well as Sterkspruit in the Eastern Cape. This initiative which seeks to conserve indigenous seeds started in 2017 and has drawn 16 members together to manage the community projects they now have termed Jericho Community Seedbank project.

To date, the Jericho local community are on a dedicated assignment to collect and conserve seeds that they get from the local community. An office structure has been set us to conserve and maintain a different range of crops species, clear marks are made to indicate the name of the seeds as well as the donor and the date of donation. This is to have a footprint for the team to gauge the progress since the establishment of the site.

Community Seed Banks are local groups who gather together to conserve and maintain locally adapted seeds. The practice assists to prevent the erosion and ultimate disappearance of seeds within the community. The effort allows members of the particular community easy access to seeds and well the ability to control and manage crops populations. Community Seed Banks and

technical support provided by government will allow members to improve seeds conservation technologies, increase access to diversity, apply crop improvement practices and explore seeds production and marketing opportunities.

Mr Julian Jafta of the National Department of According to Chief Director at the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development indicated that the love for seeds security as displayed by the Jericho community prompted the Department to persist in establishing the initiative and training the members of the community on saving seeds.

He emphasised that the as one of government priorities, agriculture is meant to stimulate economy and food security is at the centre as rural communities are considered. He added that with good management of Seed Banks, communities can be able to plant and begin to produce foods out the seeds that they bring gather. Julian urged the Jericho community to manage the Bank well as “custodians and protectors of natural resources”. He pleaded with the Local Council to formalise the support for the Seed Bank by including it in the Municipality Local Economic Development Plans.

Ms Arlene Dikolomela, District Manager of Department of Agriculture and Rural Development in Bojanala, who going forward will oversee the projects appreciated the National Department’s efforts and committed to ensure that the Department through Agriculture Extension and Advisory services will manage the project. Dikolomela equally emphasised that Seed Bank should contribute to Food Security within the local community.

At the beginning of the project two years ago, the Deputy Chairperson of the group Ms Magdaline Mabiletsa said they were about 42. Eventhough many had since left leaving the team to only 16, Mabiletsa said the love for farming and seeds security kept the remaining team together. She said those who are there are passionate about their work and pride themselves with the wealth they have. She emphasised that the project is their pride as it is one of those that will benefit many generations to come. She extended an invitation to community members to donate seeds and to participate in the work of the project.

Jericho Seed Bank was established in partnership with Bioversity International, an international global research organisation that believes that agricultural biodiversity nourishes people and

sustains the planet. Bioversity has also assisted the Jericho community with trainings and representative of the Organisation, Mr Ronnie Vernooy has committed that the organisation will be available to technical advises to the project whenever needed.

Issued by the Communication Services Directorate Enquiries: Ms EmeldaSetlhako
Tel: 018 389 5684
Cell: 060 745 4020
Email: ESetlhako@nwpg.gov.za Website:www.nwpg.gov.za/Agriculture/ Facebook:www.facebook.com/nwpread
Twitter : @NWPG_ READ

Taung-Forty-five (45) students from the only tertiary institution in the whole country offering Diploma in Irrigation Management course at NQF level 06 were honoured for competently completing their three year Diploma in Irrigation programme.

The graduation ceremony was held last Friday, 07 June 2019 in Taung village. Out of the forty- five (45) who were graduating, eighteen (18) were females and 27 were males.

This three (3) year Irrigation programme is engineering based, equipping students with the necessary practical skills and theoretical knowledge to pursue a career in farming as well as other related careers in agriculture (Irrigation technology field).

The latest batch of graduates included students from neighbouring provinces such as the Northern Cape.

One of those is the twenty-two (22) year old Thembekile Keohitlhetse from Seweding Village in the Northern Cape Province.

Out of the forty-five, Thembekile got an award for Top Performing Student in Irrigation Programme.

Thembekile says time management helped her a lot in getting good results.

“I am very grateful to be recognised as the top achiever for 2019. I did everything I could to get the good results but I think time management helped me a lot.

“I believe that all my colleagues were capable to be recognised but I am glad that I am the one who walked away with the award,” said elated Keohitlhetse.

Keohitlhetse thanked Agriseta for funding her last two years of study at the college and she has applied to Central University of Technology to further her studies in advanced Diploma in Extension Services.

Congratulating the successful students, the Head of Department Dr Poncho Mokaila said the ceremony was meant to pay a tribute to the outcome of their hard work and commitment as graduate of Taung Agricultural College.

Mokaila further challenged the graduates to go out there to employ the skills and the knowledge they have been able to acquire during the three (3) years of their studies, to ensure that they contribute in addressing the challenges related to water scarcity and climate change that affect the production output of the farming communities.

“You have surely gone through challenges throughout your stay at the college. Those challenges were meant to prepare you for the professional world we are releasing you to today. You were able to navigate your way through difficult circumstances; some of you coming from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, scrapping for amenities all the time. You succeeded nonetheless.

“Go out and make your mark and help transform not only agriculture but the rural landscape in our province. As the National Development Plan says, we need the rural areas to be integrated into mainstream economic development. Please play your part and become a catalyst for this change so that we can fight poverty and become a more equal society. Let us build South Africa to become a better place,” Dr Mokaila concluded.

Kgosi Tshepo Mankuroane of Batlhaping ba-ga Phuduhucwana in Taung joined in the celebrations and urged graduates to pursue lifelong learning.

“As you will be joining fellow thousands graduates from this institution who are scattered all over the world, you must keep on learning and remain curious,” said Kgosi Mankuroane.

For the 2019 academic year, Taung Agricultural College has registered one hundred and eighty five (185) students from across study levels.

Issued by the Communication Services Directorate Enquiries: Ms EmeldaSetlhako
Tel: 018 389 5684
Cell: 060 745 4020
Email: ESetlhako@nwpg.gov.za Website:www.nwpg.gov.za/Agriculture/ Facebook:www.facebook.com/nwpread
Twitter: @NWPG_ READ

This communiqué serves to inform the public and all departmental stakeholders that, due to unforeseen circumstances that are beyond the departmental control, the Africa World Heritage Day Event which was scheduled to take place on the 30th of May 2019 has been postponed until further notice. Therefore, the new date will be communicated in due course.

We apologize for any inconvenience caused by this.

Issued by the Communication Services Directorate Enquiries: Ms EmeldaSetlhako
Tel: 018 389 5684
Cell: 060 745 4020
Email: ESetlhako@nwpg.gov.za Website:www.nwpg.gov.za/Agriculture/ Facebook:www.facebook.com/nwpread

 

As part of government’s on-going efforts to increase awareness on African heritage and to mobilize enhanced cooperation for its safeguarding, the department of Rural, Environment and Agricultural Development (READ), will on Thursday, 30 May 2019 commemorate Africa World Heritage Day.

The provincial celebration will grant an opportunity for the Department in partnership with stakeholders to raise awareness, particularly among young people, of wealth, value and the need to preserve African Heritage in the North West province.

Under the theme “Climate and heritage”, the occasion strives to strengthen the involvement, interaction and networking of young people and to encourage youth ownership of their exceptional cultural and natural heritage. Climate change actions present a clear path towards the shared aim of a healthier, more prosperous and more secure future. South Africa has the task of balancing the acceleration of economic growth and transformation with the sustainable use of environmental resources responding to climate change.

The Vredefort Dome being the largest, oldest and most eroded meteorite impact crater in the World and South Africa’s 7^th World Heritage Site as proclaimed by United Nations Education Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), is the significant place to host the exceptional event.

Members of the media are therefore invited to cover the heritage event.

Details are as follows:

 Date:    Thursday, 30 May 2019
 Venue:   Vredefort Dome, Venterskroon Inn Time: 10h00

 Transport is available on request for community media. Please RSVP to Mr Thebe Itumeleng at: titumeleng@nwpg.gov.za or call 018 389 5522 on or before Monday, 27 May 2019 at 13h00.

Issued by the Communication Services Directorate Enquiries: Ms Emelda Setlhako
Tel: 018 389 5684
Cell: 060 745 4020
Email: ESetlhako@nwpg.gov.za Website:www.nwpg.gov.za/Agriculture/ Facebook:www.facebook.com/nwpread

OTTOSDAL – The Department of Rural, Environment and Agricultural Development (READ) would like to urge communities near Vermaas and Bospoort farms to be vigilant around the area, as a white female lion has been spotted there. These farms are between Ottosdal and Lichtenburg Areas. A search is on for the lion and the South African Police Service helicopter has been brought in to assist. Communities in the area and those driving past are requested to be cautious.

Further enquiries can be directed to Mr Jonathan Denga on 072 810 8521.

Issued by the Communication Services Directorate Enquiries: Ms EmeldaSetlhako
Tel: 018 389 5684
Cell: 060 745 4020
Email: ESetlhako@nwpg.gov.za Website:www.nwpg.gov.za/Agriculture/ Facebook:www.facebook.com/nwpread

MEDIA RELEASE

Att     : ALL EDITORS
Media Houses
Date: Monday, 29 April 2019

MEC MOHONO ESTABLISHES AQUAPONIC PROJECTS FOR RURAL COMMUNITIES

POTCHEFSTROOM – An innovative and cost-effective aquaponics food security projects handed over by MEC Desbo Mohono to impoverished families in Matlwang Village near Potchefstroom town last Thursday, 25 April 2019 will contribute in addressing a number of challenges affecting the area and surrounding communities which include improving access to nutritious food, job creation and promoting healthy living habits.

Aquaponics is an innovative, intensive and inexpensive food production technique that brings together aquaculture (fish farming) and hydroponics in a closed system that dramatically conserves water and space, and yields abundant and marketable fresh produce and fish.

In aquaponics, the water from the fish tanks is used to grow the plants. The plants get their nutrients from the nutrient rich water produced by the fish wastes. Since in the process of deriving their nutrients from the waste water, the plants are actually cleaning the water, the water is thus recycled and reintroduced into the fish tanks.

At least ten (10) complete aquaponic units were handed to 10 families.

The projects are part of on-going efforts by Rural, Environment and Agricultural Development Department to respond to food security challenges affecting North West communities. These include unemployment or low-income households and small-scale farming where limited resources such as land, farming equipment sees communities and emerging farmers locked in cycles of generational poverty and food insecurity.

Keitumetse Tlotleng (42 years), a mother of two aged 03 and 14 years and is one of the beneficiaries from Matlwang village.

She received a complete aquaponic unit with one ton of finger lings (fish), pond, feed, anti-chlorine bottles, solar panel system and spinach seedlings as part of poverty alleviation initiative.

Tlotleng is positive that this initiative by government will go a long way in helping unemployment people like her to make an income.

“I am extremely happy to be part of these initiatives by our government. If we continue to work hard I believe it will really help us and contribute in reducing the level of unemployment,” said Tlotleng

Tlotleng plans to expand her garden in the area around the aquaponic tank, to create a warm, tropical climate conducive to the well-being of the fish.

She works in the project with her partner and has stressed that she wants to do more with what government has given her and her family.

Another beneficiary is Rosinah Dithipe, a single parent with two children. She is the eldest in the family. Rosinah is unemployed and is taking care of her sibling.

Rosinah received 10 goats from government as a food security starter-pack project.

She said she has always had a passion for livestock farming. Rosinah has promised to look after these goats and her dream is to become a successful black female farmer.

The roll out of food security projects investments came after the department relooked at the way in which it structured its programmes to focus on creating food security and turning agriculture into a business.

Led by MEC Mohono, the programme focuses specifically on rural communities, with the aim of promoting sustainable food production to alleviate hunger, poverty and create job opportunities.

When handing over these projects, MEC Desbo Mohono said her department will not rest until the lives of residents of North West are changed for the better.

“These food security interventions will ensure that people gain access to productive resources; where a segment of the target food insecure population is unable to gain access to productive resources, then food security interventions will ensure that segment gains access to income and job opportunities to enhance its power to purchase food.

“The food security interventions will also ensure that the target food insecure population is empowered to have nutritious and safe food; where another segment of the target food insecure population is still unable to access sufficient food because of disability, extreme conditions of destitute – food security interventions will ensure that the state provides relief measures that may be short-term to being medium-term and sustained basis, depending on the nature of given interventions.

“Food security interventions will proceed from an analysis that is grounded on accurate information and the impact of which – in eradicating hunger, malnutrition and food insecurity – is constantly monitored and evaluated,” said MEC Mohono.

Mohono reiterated that there is still more to be done in the province regarding all forms of agriculture. She urged everyone to take part in the sector as it offers great opportunities.

The food security projects roll out will continue to other districts and MEC Mohono has assured residents of North West that her department has a clear a plan to change the face of agriculture in the province.

Other beneficiaries received from the identified two hundred (200) have received indigenous chickens/fouls for Africa, fruit trees, vegetable seedlings, goats and back yard garden infrastructure.

The department has monitoring mechanisms in place to oversee the day-to-day running of this food security projects and to ensure all farmers participate in the province’s and country’s economy. Each project will be allocated an extension officer to offer continuous extension and advisory services to ensure growth and sustainability.

 

Issued by the Communication Services Directorate Enquiries: Emelda Setlhako

Tel: 018 389 5684
Cell: 060 745 4020
Email: ESetlhako@nwpg.gov.za Website:www.nwpg.gov.za/Agriculture/ Facebook:www.facebook.com/nwpread

MEDIA RELEASE

Att       : ALL EDITORS
Media Houses
Date: Monday, 25 February 2019

POTCHEFSTROOM COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE GRADUATE ADAMANT OF AGRICULTURE PROSPECTS

Rustenburg – The 22 year old Keabetswe Jiyane, the first class reward recipient and a graduate from the Potchefstroom College of Agriculture (PCA) plans to face the world and explore her passion for agriculture. Jiyane is one of the 49 students who have successfully completed a three year diploma in mixed agriculture during the PCA graduations recently.

Reflecting on her journey, Jiyane said her love for land and farming started early in high school and she never looked back. Although her parents did not understand her passion, they did not stand in her way. “It’s a bit difficult to explain especially for people who really understand that  we have life because there is agriculture. I wanted to discover the mystery behind the significance of soil and what it can produce. I pursued my studies because through the knowledge one discovers that the potential in this industry cannot be compared with any,” Jiyane remarked passionately.

She has been a top performer since starting her studies at PCA and she was the first class in her second year. She said she owned it to herself to beat all odds and work hard. “It was not easy with all the work, but I persevered. I kept the courage and I also wanted other female students to believe that we can also do better than our male counterparts.

Jiyane said she was never intimidated by life after graduations as she was aware of a myriad of opportunities in the agriculture sector. She wants to further be in animal health production to fulfil her love for animals otherwise she sees herself as an entrepreneur in the agricultural sector.

About four students from PCA have shared the reward with Keabetswe Jiyane and passed their third year with First Class.

The 2019 graduations were graced by amongst others, the North West Premier, Professor Job Mokgoro, the Acting MEC for Rural, Environment and Agricultural Development (READ), Dr Mpho Motlhabane, the Executive Mayor of JB Marks Local Municipality, Cllr Kgotso Khumalo, Dr Poncho Mokaila, Head of the Department of READ, Professor Magano of the PCA Advisory committee, Dr Ronald Thomas of the Agriculture Research Council also an alumni of PCA and many sector stakeholder representatives, Department of READ and College Management.

Speaking during the ceremony when delivering the keynote address, Premier Job Mokgoro encouraged the students to work hard to assist the provincial government to achieve in line with the NDP Vision. “We have a huge task at hand as the North West Provincial government through the agricultural colleges. And the mission is to ensure great achievements of the provisions of the National Development Plan, Vision 2030. According to the NDP, the colleges and other higher learning institutions are expected to improve the ratio of graduates from 1 in 17 people to 1 in every 6 people in South Africa,” he emphasised.

He further reiterated that great investment needed to be made in agriculture in line with this sector potential. “Every conversation around agriculture at the moment, asserts that this is a sector which plays a critical role in the economy of many developing countries. In South Africa, as in many of these developing countries, the contribution that agriculture does to efforts of employment is well documented. It is said that in our country, about 6 million peoples’ livelihood is contingent on agriculture. This is about 10% of the South African population. So the contribution of this sector to key government priorities such as food security, exports, Growth Development Plan and foreign exchange is detectible.

Premier congratulated the leaners and assured them of opportunities within the sector. “We remain adamant that the agricultural sector carries dynamic opportunities which present an upper hand to any young person who is passionate about it. The evolution of technology has made it even far stimulating to be part of this sector,” he said.

Dr Ronald Thomas, Alumni of the PCA now part of the ARC commended graduates and urged them continue learning. He further advised them to be prepared for challenges ahead and not to quit when the going gets tougher. Thomas emphasised that the land debate was a perfect state for young people to help and develop the agricultural industry. “Ä journey of thousand miles starts with a single step”, he said.

The college is one of two state owned colleges in the province tasked with training young  people with passion for agriculture. Since its establishment, the institution continues to thrive in the training sphere and continues to live up to its vision of being a leading centre of excellence in training. The college has for the 2019 academic year registered 79 first year students this reflecting a growing trajectory as compared to the previous years. The Department of READ has for the year 2018/19 budgeted R46m to support both the Taung and Potchefstroom Agricultural Colleges.

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Issued by the Communication Services Directorate Enquiries: Ms Emelda Setlhako
Tel: 018 389 5684
Cell: 060 745 4020
Email: ESetlhako@nwpg.gov.za Website:www.nwpg.gov.za/Agriculture/ Facebook:www.facebook.com/nwpread

MEDIA STATEMENT Wednesday, 21 November 2018

DEPUTY MINISTER AND MEC HONOUR TOP PERFORMERS IN THE EXTENSION AND ADVISORY SERVICES

The Deputy Minister of the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF), Mr Sfiso Buthelezi and the MEC of the Department of Rural, Environment and Agricultural Development (READ), Ms Manketsi Tlhape honoured the top achievers during the 2nd National Extension and Advisory Services Awards (NEASA) in Mahikeng, North West Province on 20 November 2018.
The NEASA awards play a crucial role in promoting productivity, increasing food security, improving rural livelihoods and promoting agriculture as an engine of pro-poor economic growth. Furthermore, the awards promote and create awareness about the imperative role Extension and Advisory Services (EAS) play in the entire agricultural, forestry and fisheries’ development. The intention of the awards is to honour the efforts and contribution made in the EAS and the important role the Extension Officers continue to play within the sector. The winners received prize money, awards and certificates.
DAFF awarded winners in the following categories:
• Top performer in the category of Agricultural Advisors is Rendani Murovhi from Limpopo
• Top performer in the category of Senior Agricultural Advisors is Sizwe Mthethwa from KwaZulu-Natal
• Top performer in the category of Specialist Agricultural Advisors is Shumane Richard Tsogo from North West
• Top performer in the category of Supervisor is Nkotsana Ruben Maakamedi from Limpopo
• Top performer in the category of Support Services is Johan Mackson Sambo from Mpumalanga
The overall winner is Sizwe Mthethwa from KwaZulu-Natal
MEC Tlhape urged the foot soldiers to continue serving the farming communities with diligence and acknowledged the hard work the Extension and Advisory Officers are doing to help those in need of their services to increase agricultural production.
“We see the hard work and dedication you are putting on your daily work. With these awards we are saying thank you and continue serving our farming communities with great diligence,” MEC Tlhape said.
In his congratulatory message, the Deputy Minister of DAFF, Mr Buthelezi said extension services as a rural support service is at the centre of all government entities.
“EAS has been realised to have the potential in playing critical roles in improving the livelihoods and well-being of rural and urban people worldwide. The service would also enable rural people to maximise their contributions to sustainable national, regional and global development. The awards we are having tonight are a testimony of a professional service. In setting high standards to improve performance and service delivery, the professionalisation of EAS was promoted,” he said.
He thanked all the sponsors for their contribution.

For further information, please contact:
Khaye Nkwanyana
Ministry Spokesperson
MLO.Minister@daff.gov.za
083 952 9723

MEDIA RELEASE
For immediate release
Wednesday, 14 November 2018

EXTENSION SERVICES REACH OUT TO SCHOOLS IN AND AROUND MAHIKENG FOR AGRI-EDUCATION

MAHIKENG-Number of schools in and around the Mahikeng Local Municipality have benefited a great deal from a two week long campaign by Extension Officers from North West Department of Rural, Environment and Agricultural Development aimed at increasing awareness amongst school learners on issues of food security programme.

This campaign which is aimed at encouraging learners to plant their own vegetables garden, is part of a build up to a major provincial agricultural show dubbed Bokone Bophirima Agricultural Growth and Investment Show (BBAGIS) set to take place in Kgora Farmers Training Centre situated in Ramatlabama village from next Tuesday, the 20th -23rd November 2018.

Phera Primary, Rankudu primary, Omega Primary, Magokgwane Primary and Melorane Primary School are some of the schools which have been benefited from this campaign.

Other than agri-education, these schools received seedlings, fertilizers and garden tools such as tunnels from the department.

The awareness has been a success and learners were very pleased to know about opportunities found within the agricultural sector and they were also taught about the importance of food security and nutrition.

Bokamoso Majwe (11) a grade 6 pupil from Rankudu Primary School in Ikopeleng village was very delighted of the initiative the department took. “I am very happy to have learned about the importance of planting and how diverse agriculture is, we as a growing generation should plant for our families so that they can eat healthy food,’’ said Bokamoso.

Another grade 6 learner Molemo Molebalwa from Phera Primary in Tsetse village said she has learn a lot from these campaign by Agricultural Officers “ I have learned that it’s very essential to keep our gardens in good conditions to get good and healthy vegetables,” said Molebalwa.

The campaign was not only restricted to schools.

Seventy (70) households around Ramatlabama, ten (10) in Moshawane , five (5) in Tsetse, five (5) in Miga, thirty (30) in Makgokgwane and twenty (20) in Ikopeleng village have also benefited. These identified households received seedlings of green-pepper, beetroots, onions, spinach and cabbages to plant in their own gardens.

Mr Tshepo Rantlhana (39) beneficiary from Ikopeleng village said he is very grateful that the seeds he will plant will generate an extra income for his household.

“This came at the right time. Many thanks to Department of Rural Environment and Agricultural Development,” Rantlhana said.

According to Rakhase Monametsi an Extension Officer based in Ngaka Modiri Molema District,
this campaign is just a sneak peek of what people should expect at Kgora Farmers Training Centre next week during the Agricultural show.

The build-up has begun! Acclaimed Rakhase Monametsi.

“These campaigns are very close to my heart. The positive feedbacks we are getting from beneficiaries are what keep us going”.

Monametsi said this is the usual educational campaigns by Extension Officers and she said the campaign will even continue after BBAGIS.

MEC Manketsi Tlhape has said food security is very important.

“Food security is not a departmental issue hence we are targeting schools and households with the aim of getting them to start planting their own vegetable gardens.

“In actual fact, everyone should get involved in this food security programme,” says MEC Tlhape.

The aim of the program by Extension Officers is to support rural schools, villages and deprived families with farming education and also a way in which households can generate income and provide for themselves.

## ends ##
Issued by the Communication Services Directorate
Enquiries: Ms Emelda Setlhako
Tel: 018 389 5684 / 5719
Cell: 060 745 4020
Email: ESetlhako@nwpg.gov.za
Website:www.nwpg.gov.za/Agriculture/
Facebook:www.facebook.com/nwpread

MEDIA RELEASE
For immediate release
30 October 2018

OVER R46 MILLION RAND FOR FOOD PRODUCTION AND COMMERCIALIZATION OF BLACK FARMERS

North West Department of Rural, Environment and Agricultural Development has set aside over forty-six million rand (R46m) to support eight-hundred and twelve (812) smallholder farmers of the province with crop production inputs and to cultivate 14000ha to be planted during the 2018/19 planting season. This was announced by MEC Manketsi Tlhape last Thursday, 25 October 2018 in Welverdiend farm outside Delareyville town when she was launching the provincial planting season.

The launch of planting season is a clarion call by the department to all residents to gird up their loins and engage in food production activities of all forms. The main objective of the planting season launch was to create awareness on the importance of food security through agricultural production and to encourage all stakeholders to join hands in eradicating hunger and reducing poverty.

This is done through departmental crop massification programme; an intervention by government to support both smallholder and identified black commercial farmers to put back arable land into production. Speaking during the launch, MEC Tlhape said, in the last cropping season of 2017/18, a target of 13000ha was exceeded by 1628ha, to attain overall 14628ha. This was done despite late rains and early frost encountered in the province. North West farmers were able to produce an excess of 19016 tons of which 11409.84 tons was sunflower, 6655, 74 tons was maize, 190 tons of groundnuts and 760, 64 tons of dry beans. Tlhape said this was a great achievement and has assured Bokone Bophirima residents that her department will continue to support all dedicated farmers within the borders of Bokone Bophirima to continue producing more food. Currently, North West Province is the number one producer of sunflower in the whole country.

For years, the department has been supporting farmers in a variety of ways to produce more food i.e. through provision of crop production inputs, technical advice, holding of information and farmers’ days, access to storage facilities, provision of marketing information as well as mechanisation packages within available resources and mandate. MEC Tlhape reiterated that 50% of the budget in this financial year has been channelled to benefit women, youth and people living with disabilities in the agricultural sector. “We need to do more to ensure that we give support to these groups in order for them to participate into mainstream agriculture as formidable players to advance the future of the sector by tilting the statistics as they remain,” emphasised MEC Tlhape.

Tlhape is adamant that the measures pronounced by the state President Cyril Ramaphosa will soon bear fruit and more farmers will benefit via the stimulus package, blended funding and other measures as announced during the recent job submit. Farmers applauded the department for informative presentations they received from various organizations such as Grain South Africa, Omnia, Noord Wes Koporasie, Laeveld Agrochemicals, Agriculture Research Council, and The Grain Farmer Development Association on the day of the launch. Amongst others; presenters shared the much needed planting tips which included safe use and handling of agro chemicals, information on the importance of crop and cultivar choice, requirements for planting and plant nutrition to mention but just a few.

One of the farmers; Solomzi Booysen, a farmer in Welverdiend welcomed department’s support in particular to smallholder farmers of the region.
“Government’s support is welcomed. We really appreciate it and ours is just to make sure that we produce,” said jubilant Booysen

For 2018/19 financial year, READ Department has earmarked (50) farmers for black commercialization programme. Tlhape wished all crop farmers across the province a productive and profitable cropping season and she said that she is hoping that the Almighty will show mercy and bless this season with lots and lots of rain. The event was used to encourage communities to engage in agricultural activities in general and planting of fallow lands in particular which will ultimately contribute to the Fetsa Tlala Food Production Initiative, a government programme used as an intervention for the Food and Nutrition Security Policy.

###Ends###
Issued by the Communication Services Directorate
Enquiries: Ms Emelda Setlhako
Tel: 018 389 5684
Cell: 060 745 4020
Email: ESetlhako@nwpg.gov.za
Website:www.nwpg.gov.za/Agriculture/
Facebook:www.facebook.com/nwpread