KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development Mrs. Thembeni kaMadlopha-Mthethwa has said that sustainable agricultural practices resilient to natural disasters necessitate the successful collaboration of science and technology. kaMadlopha-Mthethwa was speaking at the Provincial Annual Extension and Advisory Services Summit on Thursday 14 August 2025, at the Olive Convention Centre in Durban.

It was held under the theme 'Transforming Agricultural Extension for Sustainability, Climate-Smart and Resilient Rural Development' which is a clarion call for the industry to adopt science-based methods and technological innovations to enhance the farming sector through the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR). The purpose of the programme is to increase the capacity of extension services and improve support, including the quality of Extension and Advisory Services, to optimise agricultural production and farmer development in KwaZulu-Natal.

Addressing hundreds of Extension Advisors, KwaZulu-Natal Premier Mr Thamsanqa Ntuli reaffirmed his dedication to realising a vision of a province characterised by lush green vegetables and crops, as well as disease-free communal and commercial livestock, saying that agriculture is the cornerstone of food security, a vital component of rural livelihoods and a key driver of the province's inclusive growth agenda.

He said that part of his vision is to see the province's agricultural sector making a significant contribution to the country's gross domestic product. "I aspire to see KwaZulu-Natal claiming position number one as a contributor to the GDP, with the agricultural sector playing a bigger role.