Agriculture Master Plan driving steady growth in the sector, says Steenhuisen

MINISTER of Agriculture John Steenhuisen said that the Agriculture and Agro-processing Master Plan (AAMP) is proving to be a step in the right direction for the agricultural sector.

- YOGASHEN PILLAY

Steenhuisen on Monday said that the latest figures emerging from the AAMP Progress Report indicate that agricultural production volumes have steadily increased from 11% in 2015-2019 to 13% in 2019-2023.

“This growth is attributed to the inclusivity and transformation agenda that the AAMP seeks to achieve. Data indicates that there has been significant growth in production volumes of various agricultural commodities," he said.

"For example, maize production has increased from 34% to 65%, soya bean from 72% to 80%, wheat from 17% to 53%, deciduous fruits from 17% to 49%, viticulture from 25% to 62%, and tomatoes from 8% to 94% over a period of three years.”

Steenhuisen described the AAMP as a “collective plan of action” aimed at achieving the National Development Plan’s vision for agriculture and agro-processing.