Ramaphosa should say more about the progress made in agri financing

AGRIBUSINESS PERSPECTIVE

- Hamlet Hlomendlini

Agriculture will continue to play an important role in Lachieving a number of key gains in South A socio-economic Africa, such as food security, increased income and job creation.

President Cyril Ramaphosa stressed this during his address to ANC supporters at the party's 111th anniversary celebration in Mangaung earlier this month. He correctly said that the growth of the agriculture sector over the past few years had ensured a positive contribution to food availability, employment, and economic growth.

Ramaphosa added that government would continue to support agriculture by bringing underutilised land back into production, and making it available to communities and historically disadvantaged individuals.

A MOVE TOWARDS REVITALISING THE RURAL ECONOMY

He said that the acceleration of farmer support production units was an important step toward revitalising the rural economy, as they provided necessary farming implements and mechanisation.

In addition, Ramaphosa said that the party and government applauded the signing of the Agriculture and Agroprocessing Master Plan as a positive social compact at the sectoral level to ensure that agricultural partners worked together for transformation and inclusive participation of all.