CHIEF DIRECTORATE: CORPORATE SERVICES

DIRECTORATE: COMMUNICATION SERVICES

MEDIA RELEASE

Three more co-operatives benefit from the Agricultural Mechanization Programme

Monday, 04 July 2011

Ganyesa: More than 60 farmers from three agricultural co-operatives in Dr. Ruth Segomotsi Mompati and Bojanala Platinum Districts respectively, are bound for a brighter future and sustained agricultural activities on their farms. This, after the official handing over of brand new agricultural machineries by the North West Department of Agriculture and Rural Development recently.

The Kudunkgwane and Ga-Modisenyane Agricultural Co-operatives from Dr. Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District, are proud recipients of brand new tractors, ploughs, planters, 6 ton trailers, boom sprayers, disc harrow offsets and a 2500 service plan for each tractor. This delivery is also part of the Department’s contribution towards the Comprehensive Rural Development Programme in Kudunkgwane.

The agricultural packages delivered to these co-operatives which practice dry-land crop farming on 2231ha in the village of Kudunkgwane and 744ha in the village of Tlakgameng respectively, are expected to create an environment that would allow their agricultural businesses to thrive and productively work the then fallow land.

In Moretele, the department ensured that Thaba Ya Batho Co-operative begins to utilize the land at Bosplaas by providing a tractor, slasher, trailer and other implements.

Handing over these machineries on behalf of the department, Dr. Poncho Mokaila, Chief Director for Agricultural Support Services said the department purchased such machineries in order to increase the vegetable production rate and improve the rural communities’ livelihood.

Dr. Mokaila pleaded with the beneficiaries to use them properly and desist from using them for any other purpose than farming.

Extending their gratefulness, representatives of the three co-operatives assured the department of their intent to ensure optimal use of the equipments and that such investment bears the necessary fruit.

MEC for Department of Agriculture and Rural Development Mr Boitumelo Tshwene says this initiative illustrates the meaning of working together and that through its effective implementation, increased food production and security will be guaranteed.

Since the inception of this programme three years ago, about 54 legal entities (projects, co-operatives and communal property associations) have benefitted from this programme.

#####ends

Issued by the Directorate Communication Services

Contact Person: Bonolo Mohlakoana (Ms)

082 901 2435 / 018 389 5719

WE BELONG WE CARE WE SERVE