By OBAKENG MAJE
The North West MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development, Desbo Mohono said in an effort to bridge the gap between the commercial, emerging and subsistence farmers, her department handed over agricultural mechanization to Daniel Soya in Goedgevonden village, who is a soybeans producer.
Mohono said this was part of the Accelerated Service Delivery Programme, Thuntsa Lerole.
“The mechanization, which includes a tractor, planter and harvester amongst others, is one way of addressing food insecurity in the province. The use of agricultural mechanization is significant for smallholder farmers because it advances production efficiency, reassures large-scale production, and increases the quality of farm produce.
“We are committed to ensuring that farmers have access to contemporary agriculture mechanization that would enhance their productivity in this competitive environment,” she said.
Mohono further said they want to maximize and increase the potential net worth of the agriculture sector and improve its contribution to the agricultural sector. She added that, to contribute towards achieving provincial priorities, mechanization encourages large-scale production and enhances the quality of farm produce from smallholders.
“Without proper mechanization, the development of the sector with smallholder black farmers as meaningful participants in the economy will be greatly affected, thus farmers will be compelled to change land use from agriculture to other lucrative non-agricultural uses.
“The implements were one way to address food insecurity and the mechanization would increase household food production,” said Mohono.
She said agricultural mechanization has significantly aided, which is an enhancement of the farming community in the overall economic upliftment. Mohono said the usage of agricultural mechanization by smallholder farmers has produced an increase in farm returns than those with no agricultural mechanization usage.
Meanwhile, Soya said: “I am very grateful to the department as the cost of mechanization was not affordable. They contributed with mechanization so that I can grow my own produce and maximize food security.
TaungDailyNews 