Deputy President Paul Mashatile has detailed government’s ongoing interventions and programmes that are being implemented to ensure that small-scale farmers receive support.
The Deputy President was responding to questions for oral reply in Parliament on Thursday.
He explained that through the Comprehensive Agricultural Support Programme and other programmes, government is subsidising small holder farmers through the provision of fertiliser, seeds and production inputs.
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Financial support is also being provided.
“This is complimented by infrastructure support such as fencing, irrigation systems, boreholes and mechanisation ensuring that farmers can sustain productivity even under rising input costs.
“In partnership with the Land and Agricultural Development Bank and other development finance institutions, blended finance instruments are also being expanded to cushion farmers against market volatility and to strengthen their access to affordable credit,” he said.
Furthermore, the Agriculture Department, together with the Perishable Products Export Board are assisting these farmers with support towards “meeting the food safety and health requirements required by retail markets”.
“Support is sourced from statutory levies authorised by the Minister of Agriculture [John Steenhuisen] with a commitment that at least 20% of these levies is dedicated to fostering transformation.
“These initiatives aim to integrate more small holder farmers into various agricultural value chains,” Mashatile explained.
The local production of fertiliser is also being explored and ramped up to “reduce dependency on imported inputs” as well as the promotion of sustainable farming.
“Extension and advisory services play a key role here, transferring knowledge on sustainable soil management, water efficient irrigation and low input farming practices.
“In addition, the small holder empowerment programme implemented in partnership with the Japan International Cooperation Agency is guiding farmers towards market-led production, helping them meet food safety and health requirements for retail markets and integrating them into agricultural value chains,” the Deputy President said.
He emphasised that government’s efforts are aimed at protecting and enhancing the sustainability and profitability of small-scale farmers by “providing access to markets, finance, resources and technology”.
“As government, we remain steadfast in our commitment to protecting their viability and resilience, recognising that small-scale farmers are indeed the foundation of food security in our nation,” Mashatile said. – SAnews.gov.za
