Picture: (North West MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development department, Desbo Mohono)

By REGINALD KANYANE

Young Farmers lauded the North West Agriculture and Rural Development (NWARD) department for hosting a fruitful workshop at Schweizer Reneke on Monday. As unemployment reached sky-high especially among the youth, the North West MEC for Agriculture, and Rural Development, Desbo Mohono said her department’s main objective was to get the youth involved in agriculture as part of curbing unemployment and creating job opportunities.
As unemployment reached sky-high especially among the youth, the North West MEC for Agriculture, and Rural Development, Desbo Mohono said her department’s main objective was to get the youth involved in agriculture as part of curbing unemployment and creating job opportunities.

Mohono said they celebrated Farmer’s Day at the area and targeted farmers who are already in the farming industry and those aspiring to be part of agriculture. She further said it was imperative for young people to be part of this initiative.

“It is significant for young people to attend these empowerment sessions. It is through learning platforms such as these ones that young farmers can meet and interact with their peers and industry experts, in order to share farming ideas, experiences, and best-farming methods.

“The department’s contribution will not only be limited to financial support, but is also geared more towards training, capacity building in terms of skills development and giving information in order for the youth to have the know-how of running successful agricultural businesses,” said Mohono.

She added that there is an urgent need for today’s young farmers to look beyond their local farming areas for advice and inspiration when planning for the future. Mohono said they are quite positive as the department that information packaged for sharing during these farmer’s day will be of great help.

“It is clear that we have an up-and-coming generation of hard-working, young South African agri-enterpreneurs. With the passion they have shown, unfettered commitment to the task and of course with the department’s guidance, I believe this will result in awesome opportunities and growth.

“The department has programs designed uniquely to cater for youth and to assist people with interest in agriculture and rural development projects. Farmer’s Day’s main objective was to share and offer the most up-to-date information and enhance young farmers’ capacity to run their farms as efficient businesses,” she said.

One of the guests, Tshepo Bloem who is a renowned Bonsmara Stud Breeder from Vryburg also shared the same sentiments. Bloem encouraged participants to use platform such as Farmers’ Day to equip themselves with knowledge and use it to change the economic and social development of the province and the country for the better.

“We would like to encourage the youth, in particular, to start treating agriculture as a business. Agriculture is a business and you must learn fast from experiences you get where agriculture has been the foundation for fast-paced economic growth,” he said.

Participants were also encouraged to read and familiarise themselves with the new trends in the sector. After the session, most of the participants said they found the information to be valuable and can practically apply these practices back to their farms.

One of the farmers who attended the initiative, Odirile Monchwe said: “The session was informative and relevant to me. I am a sheep and cattle farmer from Nooitgedacht village outside Schweizer Reneke and there is a lack of information this side. So, we appreciate the fact that government takes interest in the youth to be involved in agriculture.”

Another aspiring farmer, Meikie Moloko from Glodinah village said she was intrigued by the bee farming and land care presentation. Moloko said: “Firstly, let me thank the current leadership of the department for bringing this important government programs to us. Listening to my peers’ stories today was humbling and very informative.

“Now, I am thinking of taking advantage of opportunities in the bee farming sector. As I am going back home, I am sure something will come out of the inspiration and the knowledge I gained today.”

Communities are encouraged to visit agricultural local area offices placed in all municipalities across the province and the departmental website to access more information.

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