By Matsobane Manaka
“Farmers depend heavily on irrigation, if no irrigation farmers plant less therefore translating into less produce, less employment and unable to contribute positively to economic growth”. Walter Tshaneo Mathidi, mentioned load shedding as one of the major challenges that largely affect not only agricultural sector, but the economy.
Mathidi is a top potato producer operating under Mamusha Boedery (PTY) LTD in Vivo area, Vhembe District.
Chief Executive Officer of Agri-Limpopo, Deidre Carter added infrastructure as other contributing factors that impact negatively on their produce such as the state of the roads, rail and ports.
In a quest to encourage further dialogue on this matter, management of the Limpopo Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (LDARD) led by MEC Thabo Mokone met its stakeholders at The Ranch, outside Polokwane.
In his address, Mokone noted that Limpopo has the greatest potential for growth. He urged the stakeholders to work closely with the department in order to re-claim Limpopo as a well-known food basket. Carter agreed with the MEC citing that they have skills and expertise as farmer to work towards growth. “What we are hoping for is for government to create an enabling environment so we can shape up our future as a collective in this country”.
In her summary of discussion and recommendations, Head of Department Ramatsimele Maisela noted that follow up meeting with a broader stakeholder in the sector will be made soon to address additional challenges mentioned in the engagement included energy issue, climate smart agriculture, technology such as drone systems and smart logistics due to load shedding, market access and mobile abattoir; resuscitating advisory body and meet on a quarterly basis; Agrarian transformation will engage Sub-Trop; and lastly RAAVC meeting with other stakeholders such as Municipality and Department of Water and Sanitation.
MEC Thabo Mokone said the quarterly meeting with the stakeholders will assist him in simply ticking the box on progress made over matters that hinders development.
