Ensuing from the Provincial Planting Season led by KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli launched in uMsinga last month, KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development Thembeni KaMadlopha-Mthethwa handed over production inputs to the farming communities of Ndwedwe on Monday,11 November 2024.

Approximately 200 local farmers benefited from grain commodities that included fertilizers. As promised at the launch, the programme is being implemented throughout KwaZulu-Natal.

Addressing some of the beneficiaries in Ndwedwe, MEC KaMadlopha-Mthethwa expressed her concern that, despite the government's efforts to encourage people to farm, there is still malnutrition in many rural communities. "There are no job opportunities and the number of our young people involved in agricultural activities is still low.

We are encouraging young people to engage themselves in agriculture so that they too can reverse the frontiers of poverty and ensure they feed their families from agricultural activities. We have a lot of programmes that are tailor-made for youth and women-led initiatives. Let's make use of those opportunities."

Local farmers have welcomed the programme and committed themselves to sticking with farming, as this they said, will have a huge impact in addressing food insecurities in their areas. 

KaMadlopha-Mthethwa further urged the farmers to see to it that the items are well looked after and used effectively to the benefit of their families and the general public.