Rural Farming could be the key to Eastern Cape economy
image: Internet
by Kelebogile Matlou
Eastern Cape Agriculture MEC Nonceba Kontsiwe believes that increasing food production in rural regions is critical to improving the province’s economic picture. She was addressing at the Smallholder Farmers Agricultural Show in Mthatha, where rising farmers displayed their fresh goods and expressed worries about restricted commercial options.
Farmers from around the OR Tambo region showcased crops, maize, sweet potatoes, rabbits, and other items. However, several cited issues such as water shortages and unequal market access, with large retail chains sometimes choosing food from outside the region.
Farmer Nombuyiselo Mlonyeni emphasized the need for government assistance to secure equitable market access, while Nobuntu Saka stated that smallholders are challenging to break into commercial farming despite producing both quality and quantity.
image: Internet
Kontsiwe recognized the concerns and pledged government assistance in helping smallholder farmers enter both local and international markets. She emphasized that sustainable agriculture may play a significant role in reducing unemployment and poverty in rural regions, pushing farmers to maintain consistency in production.
Although water scarcity is still a major problem, the Department of Agriculture thinks that sustained food production and community involvement would boost local economies and help combat hunger.
