On Thursday 12 June 2025, the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Agriculture and Rural Development officially launched a tractor fleet as part of efforts to curb poverty in certain areas of the province. The implementation of these interventions aims to address food insecurity, provide farmer support and development by revolutionising its agricultural mechanisation programme. The Department has procured a fleet of 24 tractors and 100 vehicles at a cost of R78 510 835.80. This forms part of the government's effort to support farmer development and increase commodity yields.

Speaking at the handover of the fleet in Cedara, Hilton, Premier Ntuli commended the Department for its work in procuring the fleet and said it's a victory for the people of KwaZulu-Natal: "I have a vision of the province of KwaZulu-Natal being turned into green with vegetables and crops. The Department of Agriculture and Rural Development must push for the interests of farmers by providing support and turning our provincial leadership's vision into a reality. With this investment of 100 vehicles and a 24-tractor fleet, our objective is to address food insecurity and respond to the needs of our farming communities. As the provincial leadership under the Government of National Unity, we stabilised the government last year and we pledge to make this a year of action, which is precisely what this Department is accomplishing." Premier Ntuli also urged the Department to procure more tractors.

"The additional 24 tractors in the province will further augment agricultural activities and play a significant role in alleviating some of the challenges facing the sector. This is in response to the dire needs of the farming communities struggling to access adequate resources. The tractor fleet will enable the Department to support rural communities who do not have sufficient means to grow their agricultural efforts from subsistence farming to a sustainable agricultural enterprise," said kaMadlopha-Mthethwa. The MEC also promised farmers and cooperatives that more tractors would be procured.

Struggling districts in terms of food insecurity, namely Zululand, uMzinyathi, King Cetshwayo and uMkhanyakude, will be prioritised after a needs assessment. The Department will support subsistence farmers for up to a maximum of four years by providing full support of mechanisation services and production inputs.

Small- holder farmers will be provided with support in the form of mechanisation services and fertilisers. In subsequent four years, support will be provided in the form of minimum tillage as part of an exit strategy. Farmers in this category will have to demonstrate their commitment to reinvesting their income in the business in subsequent years.

The programme will have a significant impact on ensuring that poor farmers receive quality service.

An inventory system has been developed to ensure that the tractors are used for their intended purpose. Agricultural Advisors at local offices (Extension Officers) working together with the district office and head office will record, verify and report on tractor performance activities weekly to the local manager.

The risk of vehicle theft remains a major challenge and tractors will be fitted with trackers. The Department has also sought cooperation with traditional leaders and the community, as tractors will be stored in the vicinity of sites.

With regard to the Departmental fleet, a hundred (100) vehicles have been procured to augment its fleet, which has been declining. The Department has experienced a reduction in the number of vehicles due to theft, hijacking and accidents, all of which are a serious concern to the Department and affect its ability to reach its communities. All vehicles have been registered and licensed and bear the new GBB number plates.