MEC Nonkqubela Pieters has announced a new initiative aimed at commercializing agriculture and uplifting disadvantaged farmers in the Eastern Cape. The program involves the handover of 144 Dohne Merino rams with superior genetics and eight sheep shearing sheds to sheep farmers in Mafinini village.
Supporting Communal Lands, Smallholding Farms, and Land Reform Programs
The initiative targets farmers in communal lands, smallholding farms, and those who acquired lands through government land reform programs. The goal is to help these farmers improve their livestock genetics and the quality of wool and meat produced.
Strengthening the Region’s Agricultural Status
Nyandeni local municipality, which is home to over 374,000 sheep, ranks third in terms of sheep population in the OR Tambo District. The Eastern Cape province contributes significantly to the country’s national wool clip and mohair production. This handover program is expected to further strengthen the region’s agricultural status.
Creating Market Opportunities for Livestock Farmers
The initiative aims to create market opportunities for livestock farmers both within and outside the country. For example, approximately 50,000 sheep and cattle are currently being exported to Kuwait, with some of these animals purchased directly from local farmers.
Supporting Infrastructure Development
To further support the farmers, four shearing sheds have been constructed in Libode and Ngqeleni with the necessary infrastructure to empower them and enable participation in the agricultural economy.
Other Notable Investments in the Region
The DRDAR has made other notable investments in the region as well. These include grain production under conservation agriculture, covering 210 hectares, and yellow maize production, spanning 1,363 hectares in the last planting season. Additionally, 900 households received agricultural inputs for household food security, and four piggery and poultry enterprises were supported with feed. In the upcoming season, maize will be planted on 1,020 hectares of land in the area.
Highlighting the Government’s Commitment to Supporting Local Agriculture
The handover event, scheduled for July 27, 2023, at the Hlanganani Shearing Shed in Mafini Village, highlights the government’s commitment to supporting local agriculture and promoting economic growth through targeted investments and infrastructure development. As the farming community in the Eastern Cape benefits from these efforts, the future of agriculture in the region seems bright and promising.
