Johannesburg - The Gauteng government has taken a significant step in fighting hunger, with the unveiling of the Maize Triangle farm project aimed at increasing the production of maize in the province.
Situated in Holfontein, Midvaal, the Zeekoeifontein Maize Triangle was unveiled by Gauteng Premier Nomvula Mokonyane on Friday.
The Maize Triangle project is aimed at supporting maize producers around the province to unleash their potential in developing income generating sustainable jobs, reducing poverty and contributing to human development.
The scheme also aims to increase food crop productivity among subsistence farmers and agri-food producers in the rural areas of Gauteng to improve food security.
Addressing the emerging farmers, Mokonyane said the farming project is part of the Gauteng Employment Growth and Development Strategy (GEGDS).
"As government, we resolved to reignite this region through the Maize Triangle because maize is the most important grain crop in the country, being both the major feed grain and the staple food for the majority of the South African population," she said.
Mokonyane further said the maize industry is important to the economy both as an employer and earner of foreign currency due to its multiplier effects.
"It serves as a raw material for manufactured products such as paper, paint, textiles, medicine and food.
"It is our belief that this initiative will serve as a critical vehicle towards enhancing delivery in agriculture and rural development in general. It will assist in accelerating the rate and quality of transformation in agricultural production," she said.
Through the project, Mokonyane said government seeks to create a united, non-racial and prosperous grain industry by enhancing equitable access and participation.
The Premier also handed over 12 tractors and other agricultural equipment to the Holfontein Farming Corporation.
Agriculture and Rural Development MEC, Nandi Mayathula-Khoza, said the project addresses important aspects of the GEGDS vision.
"This covers... under-resourced poor farmers in mainstream maize production and creation of decent jobs in the agriculture and manufacturing sectors," she said.
Mayathula-Khoza said three tractors will be used in Zeekoeifontein, while the remaining will be handed over to the other maize triangle farming projects in the West Rand and Metsweding districts.
MEC for Economic Development, Firoz Cachalia, was upbeat about the economic growth in the province He said the handing over farming equipment is a clear indication that government is on course to fulfilling the promises made of creating decent jobs and sustainable communities.
Chairperson of the Holfontein Farmers Corporation, Amos Njoro, said they are also committed to contribute towards food security as well as creating jobs.
He said during the maize harvesting period, they employed 800 seasonal farm workers.
"Irrespective of the challenges we face, we will continue to produce food for the nation and we can't run away from that crucial responsibility," he said.
