Durban - The Department of Agriculture, Environmental Affairs and Rural Development has procured over 192 new tractors with implements in order to provide a comprehensive farming service in KwaZulu-Natal.
At least 200 jobs will be created in the Sisonke District after the department launched its new Mechanisation Programme, which is expected to bolster agricultural activities through the provision of comprehensive mechanisation services to the local communities.
The programme came about after the department went on a series of road shows last year. The purpose was to meet with stakeholders, farmers and local communities to listen to their issues around farming.
The issue of tractors dominated the discussions, said department spokesperson Ncumisa Mafunda. "The requests for tractors outweighed other services as the demand was much higher than for others like fencing and water which also featured very strongly."
The tractors will be distributed throughout the province but will be stationed in departmental offices where they will be utilised through a booking system.
They will be used to provide a ploughing service to the rural poor, free of charge.
But apart from job creation, the programme is also intended to increase food production and prevent food insecurity and poverty. Also, to assist farmers ensure sustainable natural resource management.
Application forms for the mechanisation services have been developed and will be available at strategic points such as local agricultural offices and tribal court houses.
