By OBAKENG MAJE
14 November 2025- The North West Department of Agriculture and Rural Development officially launched the 2025/26 Provincial Planting Season at the Retladirela Cooperative in Dwarskraal, outside Delareyville. The department said the event was held under the theme: “Sustainable Crop Production for Food Security and Growth” and brought together farmers, stakeholders and partners from across the province to promote best practices in grain production and mechanized farming.
The North West MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development, Madoda Sambatha said the Provincial Planting Season serves as a key intervention to activate land, enhance productivity and support both emerging and established farmers with technical knowledge and production inputs. Sambatha said as part of the Crop Massification programme, the department has committed to cultivating 6000 hectares across the province’s four districts.
“In the Ngaka Modiri Molema District just over 2500 hectares have been earmarked for production during the 2025/26 financial year, supported by an investment of over R23 million. The Retladirela Cooperative, which operates on 565 hectares, is one of the key beneficiaries of this programme.
“For the current season, the cooperative will plant maize and sugar beans across 250 hectares. It is important to empower farmers with both resources and technical expertise to drive sustainable agricultural development,” he said.
Sambatha further said every hectare of productive land must serve as a catalyst for food security and inclusive economic growth. He added that planting is never just about the present season, it is about shaping the future.
“Every seed we sow is a declaration of intent to nourish communities, uplift rural economies and build a resilient, self-sustaining province. The successful launch of the 2025/26 Provincial Planting Season in Dwarskraal signals a decisive step forward in strengthening the province’s agricultural base.
“With a clear focus on land activation, farmer support, and sustainable production, the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development has laid the groundwork for a season defined by collaboration, resilience, and growth,” said Sambatha.
He said as the programme unfolds, the emphasis remains on turning policy into practice, ensuring that every hectare cultivated contributes to food security, economic development and the long-term vitality of farming communities across the North West.
Speaking during the launch on behalf of the cooperative, Nkwe Metswamere welcomed the department’s support and reflected on the cooperative’s journey since its establishment in 2005. Metswamere said he noted that the recent mechanization support received through the National Department of Land Reform and Rural Development has significantly improved operational efficiency and reduced the time required for soil preparation and planting.
“We encourage farmers to remain patient and committed when engaging with government processes, emphasizing that persistence and adherence to proper channels yield tangible results. The mechanization package provided to the cooperative includes two tractors, two ripper machines, an eight-row planter, a 24-disc offset, a 10-ton trailer, 1,000-litre boom sprayers, and production inputs.
“These were showcased during live demonstrations conducted as part of the launch, offering farmers hands-on exposure to modern mechanization techniques that enhance planting precision and the efficient use of agrochemicals,” he said.
The Guardian 