by Olwetu Batyi | Mar 1, 2021 | atp1
AGRI EC reaffirms stance to uplift emerging markets
THE Eastern Cape Department of Rural Development and Agrarian Reform is reinforcing its plan of elevating emerging farmers to fully-fledged commercial producers by formally roping in experienced industry role players –a move which AGRI Eastern Cape said was long overdue.
The department which is tasked with driving a sustainable agricultural sector in the Eastern Cape Province held a farmers’ workshop at its Dohne Research Institute on Thursday where acting Head of Department (AHoD) Bongikhaya Dayimani said the province possessed a huge potential to be counted among the biggest contributors in the country’s Gross Domestic Production (GDP).
He however said the development of agricultural economy and its flourishment in the Eastern Cape needed an ‘all-hands-on-deck’ approach.
“Government alone cannot do it. We can pump millions of money in all the different projects without realizing the envisaged results if other role players, particularly those with expertise and experience don’t come to the party.
Everybody must be on board and with these kind of platforms we want to organize the farming community into one so we can speak in unison,” said Dayimani with nods of approval from the attendees.
Statistics show that the Eastern Cape agricultural sector contributes only 1.7 % to the provincial GDP with a 6% agricultural value Nationally. In the midst of it all, the province has 3.8 million ha under-developed land in the former homelands with most agricultural activities taking place in the Sarah Bartmaan region.
Now the department looks to help farmers replicate the methodology applied in the Sarah Bartmaan district in other districts –something which president for AGRI EC, Doug Stern said needed intellectual capital more than anything else.
“We cannot run away from the fact that others had better opportunities than others and it is that acknowledgement that has brought us where we are.
Time has come for us to work together towards a common goal of sustainable agriculture by making use of all the missed opportunities.
We have said this before and we are committing again to co-operate and intervene in the development of agriculture across all commodities,” said Stern.
He added that apart from contributing with intellectual capital to the course, a detailed framework that their partnership with the stakeholders will be anchored on is under development.
“Part of the contents of the framework includes constant involvement of the commercial farmers that supply emerging farmers with bulls and rams. There is a tendency of silliness among commercial farmers where they supply other farmers with bulls to help improve the genetics of their livestock without even checking the quality of what they are supplying.
Among other things, the framework will force the suppliers to constantly monitor the effectiveness of their supplies so that customers get the desired results that were guaranteed by the supplier,” he added.
Chairman for Eastern Cape Farmers’ Association, Xolile Ngqameni applauded the move saying it would bridge the gap that keeps widening between emerging farmers and the market.
The concerned parties are set to convene another meeting in March.
by Olwetu Batyi | Dec 3, 2020 | atp1
WARD is about the future of our children
By Thozi kaManyisana
The creation of the Women in Agriculture and Rural Development (WARD) has assisted many female farmers to become formidable commercial farmers that have signed contracts with big companies in the sector.
This was revealed by the National WARD Deputy President Nomvula Maya during the elections of the new provincial WARD committee at the Bhisho Showgrounds in Bhisho attended by all the districts from the province.
“When WARD was formed in 2006, I had nothing even the dress I wore on that day was borrowed but today I am commercial farmer who is going to give R10 000 to one of the working women today in this event.
“WARD did not give me any money but it has skilled me to become the woman I am today. The love, hope, determination and caring for each other we are preaching through WARD can take you a long way,” she said.
Maya, who is from Free State province said she was farming with soya beans, maize, pigs, goats and poultry, adding that she had a contract with a National chicken selling company, Goldi – “when you see Goldi chicken, buy them they might be mine.”
Bongiwe Kali, WARD National secretary called on women to “stand for what we want, which is our dignity by ensuring we are economic vibrant.”
Long-service WARD Provincial secretary Nozuko Kunyuzwa who has held the position since 2014 said it was “not easy to be a leader but this is not about us ,but the future of our children.
I want to tell those that will be elected, there road is not plain sailing but never throw a towel. Women should not be in a competition but should complement each other.”
Maya said women in the leadership of WARD in the Eastern Cape, which was elected by the delegates from all districts, should be “resilient”and remember that WARD was “started” in this province by the late Nowongile Molo therefore they must fly the Eastern Cape flag high
The women at the helm of WARD in this current term are
Busisiwe Mgangxala Peter – Chairperson,
Deputy Chair – Thobeka Rosani Ntoyi,
Secretary -Zoliwe Nombewu
Deputy Secretary – Aviwe Makhambi-Zweni
Treasury – Nomachule Ngwane
by Olwetu Batyi | Dec 3, 2020 | atp1
EC is ready to feed nations – MEC METH
By Thozi kaManyisana
MEC for Rural Development and Agrarian Reform Nomakhosazana Meth declared that the farmers in the Eastern Cape with the assistance of government are ready to “produce more crops to feed the nations.”
Speaking during the launch of the province’s flagship Cropping programme and the handover of the mechanisation centre at Ebden farm in Maclear, MEC said she was “encouraged by the resilience of the farmers.”
“We are here saying Phezukomkhono let’s plough,
We’re celebrating the growth of this sector. Eastern Cape is a leader in many Commodities not only in the country but in the globe.
“We celebrate the resilience of the farmers in tough times and we are ready to feed the nations,” she said.
She said the department has set aside R131 million to plant 32 000 ha, which is top from the 22 000ha planted last year whilst R70 million was invested in buying of the “state of the art” tractors, implements, trailers and a bakkie.
“We’re seeing the good work you are doing here hence we have decided to pilot the mechanisation centre here.
The idea is to have tractors and implements that belong to government as it pains to see government handing out tractors that are not benefiting all the farmers,” she said.
AmaMpondise King Luzuko Matiwane promised the MEC that “-your coming here is not in vain.
As the Kingdom we say land is economy and economy is land , this initiative is highly appreciated. “
Interim Secretary of the mechanisation centre, which will benefit Joe Gqabi District farmers, Dumisa Magidigidi described the investment as a “ real evidence of commercialisation of agriculture and taking farmers to the next level.
“I’m here to say thank you from the deepest of our hearts as farmers. We are happy that , this is piloted here, we do not take it for granted
“Buying a tractor isn’t a child’s play. This initiative will make a huge impact. I assure you, we will use the machinery effectively and other districts will come here for benchmarking and we will share with them our best practice.
We’ll make an impact not only in Elundini but in the country,” he said
After seeing the young Magidigidi ‘s work and passion ,MEC Meth said she was “very happy to see young people following the foot steps” of veteran farmers like Joe Mnyengo who own the farm where the launch was held. Yanga Dalasile of Dalasile Agri Park and Sinelizwi Fakade of Ukhanyo Farmer Development are young farmers that are strategic partners of the department , were also there to witness the launch of the cropping season.
She said agriculture “is a at the centre of growing the economy , so let’s treat it as business. No briefcase farmers will ever be supported by the department , we must work the land ”
by Olwetu Batyi | Nov 25, 2020 | atp1
Indigenous Knowledge must influence the Cannabis Industry
By Nontuthuzelo Mendu
The Eastern Cape Department of Rural Development and Agrarian Reform held its third session of stakeholder engagement in Mthatha following East London and Lusikisiki.
The aim of the sessions is to solicit input from farmers on proposed Cannabis Bill for Private Use.
“Our indigenous property must be protected and it must not be sold back to us as intellectual property ,we must jealously guard against that.”
This was the opening statement by the King of Abathembu , Buyelekhaya. Dalindyebo during the third leg of the stakeholder engagement for the 2020 Cannabis Bill held in Umtata Mayfair Hotel.
“As the traditional authorities we welcome this Bill, we want it to develop all those that are underprivileged in this country,”
“This process has been delayed for too long in the Thembuland and as the King I’m giving everyone free reign to use this indigenous plant that we were given by our ancestors, any type of cannabis must be 100% legal’’
“Time for talk shows is over ,we want action.
Our people must be wealthy from our indigenous seed ,government must directly hear from us . This will never be done without us.
Community trusts must be established so that our people who are the main producers of this plant ,directly benefit ”.
“We don’t want the repeat of what happens with other crops, we used to have our own indigenous maize but today we import maize.
We must not lose our heritage, we must jealously guard it, This Bill must protect our wealth in the Eastern Cape not take it away” concluded Dalindyebo.
“As the Eastern Cape government we intend to develop a multi-billion rand industrialised cannabis value chain that enables the empowerment of small-scale farmers and the development of agro-processing co-operative hubs that focus on developing the following value chain such as seed, medicine, Building, Textile, Paper and Bio-fuel and plastic ” said the Department of Rural Development and Agrarian Reform MEC Nomakhosazana Meth.
“currently the department has set aside R4,5 million to assist cannabis farmers for fencing of the fields, access to trade permits making sure that we unlock this industry” said MEC Meth.
Meth further pleaded with stakeholders to make their voice heard and educate the nation about how this plant has changed their lives .
MEC encouraged the farmers to use the opportunity given to them to submit what they want to see on the Bill.
The submissions are expected to maximise the full potential and economy of this indigenous plant.
To be clear on what kind of cannabis industry we want, as we are the owners of cannabis as the Eastern Cape Province, ” she added.
One of young farmers, Philasande Mahlakatha urged fellow farmers to educate people about benefits of cannabis and
“We must demystify the stigma that has been attached to this plant for more than hundred years , this is our wealth”
“We are happy that the Council of Churches is part of this cannabis engagement , this is our gift from God and our ancestors. Lets treasure it.”
“When I look at the land, I see gold,
All those who left this province to look for greener pastures in other provinces , its time they come back home and work the land.
Chief Gwadiso said , as we engage in this cannabis journey we must ensure that even if we form partnerships they must be watertight so that we don’t lose our wealth . We must benefit directly and Phondoland seed will always be the best “
Representing traditional healers, Greekson Zweni said “ the Bill regulates us in the number of trees that we must plant and that will not assist us. We therefore not accepting this Bill,”
The delegates agreed in unison that this Bill must not talk to private use only , it must also include commercialisation of the cannabis
In closing MEC Meth informed the stakeholders that Lusikisiki College will do training on cannabis as Lusikisiki is the Cannabis capital of the Eastern Cape Province.
“We will also have cannabis ambassadors programme so that we give you a platform to educate and share with the nation the valuable knowledge , rich and deep understanding that you have shared with us here. These engagements are an eye opener to all of us.”
by Olwetu Batyi | Nov 24, 2020 | atp1
By Thozi kaManyisana
Cannabis is the gold of Pondoland
The Cannabis is the “gold” of the Pondoland and government should ensure it is developed to benefit the people who have been cultivating and selling it illegal to make ends meet. This was the general feeling of the Pondoland people according to a local chief
Representing AmaMpondo King Zanozuko Sigcau during the Stakeholder Engagement for the Cannabis Bill for Private Purposes held in Lusikisiki, Chief Gcinilifu Mdutshane of Xhopozo village in Flagstaff said they have been cultivating Cannabis for ages and “people are sceptical about new development around it.”
“There is a perception that by introducing this Bill the government want to take away the only thing that we have, the gold of Pondoland.
Let us hope that perception is a myth as we want this to be developed and bring us wealth. People need to be taught about the laws and what is expected of them hence this gathering is important,” Chief Mdutshane said.
The engagement was hosted by the MEC for Rural Development and Agrarian Reform (DRDAR) MEC Nomakhosazana Meth and was attended by mayors and councillors as well as the farmers, professionals and the Rastafari community.
The stakeholders heard the outline of the Bill, impact of the Bill on traditional leaders, traditional healers and farmers while they had a breakaway session where they debated some of the submissions to the Bill.
Speakers took turns to decry how the Pondoland people “suffered” through the hands of police, with Lulama Nogele from Emantlaneni village, which is one of the popular places producing Cannabis in the region saying “we want those in jail to be back and assist us to plant because they are experienced producers.”
An emotional Wonga Bolotina of Mfundisweni said producing Cannabis was a “history of the Pondo people. We should not be taken for granted and decision be taken on our behalf like the planting of four trees per person. We want to plough Cannabis without any restrictions and we want our dignity to be restored.”
Philasande Mahlakana echoed the need for allowing people to grow more plants and be allowed to sell because “producing Cannabis has always been a business for us.
Not everyone has a place, time or passion to plant but they need to use it hence the law should allow massive production and sales.”
Abambo farm owner, Yolisa Ntola said she was already extracting oil from the Cannabis and is producing the canna oil, which can relieve pain, reduce anxiety, reduce insomnia among others.
“I have already applied for the permit to cultivate but since the lockdown, I have not yet received a feedback. In keeping with what government says ‘about doing something before you get support’ I decided to start cultivating and extract oil from the Cannabis,” she said.
MEC Meth said she wanted to “ensure” the Pondoland people that government “will not take away this wonder plant, which you have protected for a long time.”
She went to tell a story on how she was shown a documentary during a benchmarking visit to Canada that showed the Pondoland people working on their Cannabis, adding that “the Canadians also agree that the Pondoland Cannabis is the best in the whole world.”
“We are with you and we are supporting you because we see you as heroes who have fought for this green gold to be legally produced and we thank you for your backbone. I do not think you know how respected are we by the nations because you have healed many people through production of Cannabis and we gathered here to hear what Pondo people are saying about your heritage,” said Meth.
To a loud applause, she announced that EXCO has approved the Lusikisiki College to become an institution that will train people about the different uses of Cannabis”.
She said the aim was to see “poorest of the poor” developing themselves through Cannabis, adding that the indigenous knowledge of the Pondoland people “will not be erased because you are the trendsetters and you should be proud of yourselves.”
Speaking about the Bill, Meth said it only concentrated on the private use only without touching on the commercialization of the plant and the aim of the provincial government was to see commercialization of the Cannabis through cultivation and processing.
Some of the issues raised during the session included a need to form an association that will assist in lobbying for rights of the Cannabis farmers while the stakeholders said the Bill should also touch on industrialization of Cannabis.
There was a feeling that the licensing of producing Cannabis should be “inclusive” and be cheaper so that ordinary farmers can be able to form part of development.
The gathering was joined by Deputy Minister for Small Business Development Zoleka Capa who hailed the gathering as a “very good” initiative, adding that the National Economic Transformation Cluster Committee has identified Cannabis as “one of the priorities.”
“We have agreed that Cannabis production is one of economic drivers in the Eastern Cape, especially in the Pondoland. We have not yet reached the commercialization stage, which is a need by the MEC and our people but we are encouraged by the steps being taken,” Capa said.
Technical advisory committee member Prince Leslie Sigcau said the submission made will be put together with the issues that will be raised in the other engagements that will be held in Port Elizabeth and Mthatha next week.
He said a this will form province’s input on the Bill, adding that individuals and organizations are permitted to make their own submissions.
Sigcau said from the submission made “it is clear a lot of work needs to be done by the crafters of the Bill so that it talks directly to the development of rural livelihoods”
