Programme drives advancement for small-scale farmers in KZN

Livestock and crop farmers in KZN received an agricultural development plan to help grow their income

- Jyothi Laldas.

The KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (KZNDARD) has launched a programme that aims to address poverty among farming communities in KZN.

The uMnotho kuBantu programme is directed at eradicating poverty by connecting small-scale farmers to markets and providing training to ensure the production of high-quality products while creating self-sufficiency in small-holder agriculture.

Late last month, livestock and crop farmers at Imbali Unit 14 in Pietermaritzburg were among the first to receive the multifaceted agricultural development plan, which has been devised to grow a thriving economy.

Agriculture MEC Super Zuma hosted his first meeting with farmers a week prior, where challenges hindering progress were discussed. In response, the department introduced a livestock programme devised for genetic improvement to the community. Beef bulls were handed over to the Msunduzi Livestock Association for this purpose.