Subsistence farmers to be made a priority, says Agri minister

The majority of unsuccessful applications for the Department of Agriculture’s disaster fund intervention scheme, were farmers who did not meet the annual income threshold of R20 000 per year.

This means a large portion of subsistence farmers didn’t make the cut, while government believes they are a necessary part of the country’s food system and should therefore be assisted, the Minister, Thoko Didiza, said on Sunday.

“Subsistence farmers don’t farm to sell to the market, but they are critical in securing household food security. We are concerned because they are a necessary element in our food system and should be supported as such.  In the coming week, we will have a virtual meeting to see how best we can support them.”

Didiza, during a briefing, announced the outcomes of the fund application process, which aims to address the effects of the Coronavirus and ensure sustainable food production post the pandemic.

The department approved 15 036 out of 55 155 applications, which constitutes just over 25%.

The minister, in commenting on the unsuccessful applications, said subsistence farmers who didn’t meet the R20 000 threshold constituted a huge part of these applications.

She another problem with unsuccessful applicants, was the lack of documentation.

“It saddens me that during this process, many farmers fell by the wayside because they could not provide proof that they are farmers or that they farm. The registration of farmers on the Producer Farmer Register will enable government to locate farmers so that targeted support can be provided for them,” commented the minister.

She urged farmer organisations to assist farmers in formalising their operations, especially insofar as record-keeping is concerned. Didiza made it clear that monitoring and evaluation of this programme is important to ensure value for money and food production. Therefore, the department will work with various NGOs and civil society organisations to monitor and evaluate the implementation of this intervention on the ground, she said.

The minister further said that farmers who missed the application deadline can approach the department’s various offices, as they can also be assisted through other government initiatives.

The North-West leads the successful applications in terms of the provincial breakdown, with 3 153 applications.

Provincial applications (approved):

• Free State: 389
• Limpopo: 1 994
• KwaZulu-Natal: 2 812
• Gauteng:  1 045
• Northern Cape 1 435
• Eastern Cape 1 622
• Western Cape:  1 587

A total of 7 696 applications were approved for livestock farmers, followed by 2 942 for vegetable farmers; 2 252 for poultry farmers; 610 for winter crop farmers and 65 for fruit farmers.

ALSO READ: Agri Dept approves just over 25% of farmers who apply for relief

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