Another big step in promoting agriculture in Mogale City
Mogale City takes a big step in assisting local farmers with the launch of the Tarlton Agri-park.
Agriculture received a big boost from the government following the official launch of the Tarlton Agri-park.
This is the second Agri-park to be launched in Mogale City after the unveiling of the Camel Estate Farmer Production Support Unit (FSPU) in Magaliesburg a few years ago.
According to Mogale City’s communication officer Refilwe Mahlangu, to date, over R43 million has been invested in resources ranging from the construction of a 2.2km asphalt paved road, multi-span production tunnels, an irrigation system, a backup generator, cold rooms, 15KVA solar unit, 400kl Dam Sac as an alternative water storage, cold chain truck for aggregation of produce to markets, truck, and movable agricultural equipment.
“While the Tarlton FSPU has empowered 16 local farmers and yielded more than 62 temporary jobs during the construction process, overall, agricultural transformation is at the centre of the government’s efforts to liberate and empower small farmers in rural areas to increase their means of production to play a meaningful role in the agricultural sector,” Mahlangu said.
Mahlangu added that Agri-parks have been identified as stimulants for rural economic transformation and encourage market growth for the sale of produce, livestock, skills, and infrastructure. They are also aimed at enhancing food security, agricultural productivity, and competitiveness by exploiting the complete agricultural value chain of identified commodities within the parameters of ensuring sustainable use of natural resources.
Mogale City Executive Mayor Danny Thupane applauded all partners involved and assured the Deputy Minister that the projects are in capable hands.
“We are grateful that all role-players continue to extend their hand of assistance to farmers and emerging farmers in Mogale City. In ensuring the sustainability of these farms, we appeal to the new owners of this facility to sustain this project to address the triple challenges of poverty, joblessness, and inequality in the region,” Thupane concluded.
Also present at the opening ceremony were officials from the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development Deputy Minister Nokuzola Capa as well officials from the Gauteng Department of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment and West Rand District Municipality.
