The Cropping Programme plays a significant role in contributing to food security in the Eastern Cape. The rainfall forecasts for this year’s summer cropping season indicates an above-normal rainfall for most parts of SA including the Eastern Cape, which will result in improved yields. The department is engaged on a drive to assist farmers to achieve an increase in agricultural production and invest in infrastructure that unlocks agricultural production in grain production, livestock and horticultural areas.
Guided by the Food Security Policy imperatives, the Department provides subsidy of R3 200/ha to farmers to produce grain, vegetable, fruits and fodder. The cropping programme in the Eastern Cape is implemented using three approaches and the beneficiaries select the approach that is favourable to their condition/s. These approaches include provision of mechanisation, provision of production inputs and pairing of smallholder farmers with industry partners for transfer of skills.
In the 2020 Policy Speech, MEC Meth outlined the departments commitment to roll-out District Mechanisation Centres. As part of the day’s activities, in action the MEC will also officially launch the R70 million worth Joe Gqabi Mechanisation Centre.
The launch and the handover will be held as follows:
Date : 27 November 2020
Venue : Ebden Farm, Maclear (R56 – 25 kilometres from Maclear CBD)
Time : 12h00, sharp
The beneficiaries of the cropping programme are selected through a rigorous and transparent process. The aim is to ensure that the process is fair and selects the deserving farmers.
Cropping programme is implemented across the Province based on the resource of each District. With the exception of Sarah Baartman, grain production is taking place in all districts of the province. The number of beneficiary that are going to be supported is 16 438. Of the total number, women farmers constitute 50.6% of the total beneficiaries.
For clarities, please contact Ayongezwa Lungisa on 0733457229.
Issued by the Department of Rural Development and Agrarian Reform
