NORTH WEST LEGISLATURE COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE SLAMS DELAYS AS FARMER’S AGRICULTURAL POTENTIAL REMAINS UNTAPPED

The North West Provincial Legislature Portfolio Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development, chaired by Hon. Sipho Dial, has expressed serious concern over the challenges faced by farmers during an oversight visit to assess agricultural development and support in the province during the Oversight Week Programme held in the Bojanala District Municipality.
Among the concerns raised was the case of Ms. Louisa Mogotsi, who was allocated a farm by the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development in 2015 and has since worked to establish a viable citrus farming operation.

Despite securing blended finance through the Land Bank, Mme Mogotsi indicated that the funding received was insufficient to prepare the soil and acquire the resources needed to sustain production. She also raised concerns about delays in obtaining a water licence and inadequate irrigation water.

The farm is further affected by surrounding wash plants, which place significant pressure on available water resources. Concerns were also raised about environmental damage allegedly caused by blasting, as well as security risks, including burglaries and an incident in which the farm was reportedly robbed at gunpoint.

The Committee called for stronger coordination between the Departments of Agriculture, Environment and Mineral Resources, SAPS and other relevant stakeholders to address the water, environmental, security and funding challenges.

The Committee emphasised that the farm has significant potential to contribute to the local agricultural value chain, create employment opportunities and provide practical learning opportunities for young people, but requires meaningful government support to unlock its potential.

Related Posts