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By Samson Mabunda, Matsobane Manaka & Nape Masemola

Limpopo Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (LDARD) MEC Nandi Ndalane has tabled her department’s 2022/23 Budget vote speech on 24 March 2022 to the Limpopo Provincial Legislature in Lebowakgomo.

“Statistical reports indicate that the agricultural sector, one of the critical drivers of the country's economy, registered positive growth in most of the quarters during the midst of COVID-19 pandemic. The positive economic growth in the agricultural sector was attributed to, among others, an increase in field crops, horticultural and animal products,” indicated the MEC.

“In overall, the latest report released by Statistics South Africa shows a better economic growth in the fourth quarter of 2021. The sectors that recorded positive economic growth are Agriculture, Trade, Manufacturing and Personal Services.  Agriculture expanded by twelve-point two percent (12.2 %) quarter on quarter, retail trade sales by two-point nine percent (2.9%), manufacturing by two point eight percent (2.8%) and Personal Services by two point seven percent (2.7%). The growth of Agriculture is attributed mainly to a rise in production of animal products.  The export of vegetables also contributed to an increase of total value exports of goods and services which grew by eight-point five percent (8.5%),” highlighted Ndalane.

She said in middle of the destructive effect of the COVID-19 pandemic the national Economic Recovery and Reconstruction Plan has prioritised interventions to restore the economy and build a sustainable, resilient, and inclusive economy.

“At provincial level the Provincial Socio-economic Recovery Plan was developed. The LDARD) is one of the Departments responsible for leading and contributing towards actualising these recovery plans. During 2021/22 the Department finalised the Revitalization of Agriculture and Agro-processing Value Chain (RAAVC) Plan,” said the LDARD MEC

She also appreciated “our farmers and farm workers who despite COVID-19 restrictions steered the agriculture ship through turbulent waters. We remain confident that this sector will contribute immensely to the eventual economic recovery in our country and province”.

Ndalane acknowledged Premier Stanley Mathabatha for his guidance and support.

The 2022-2023 Budget vote allocation was presented as follows hereunder: