Challenges facing local farmers were highlighted during an engagement meeting between MEC Lebogang Motlhaping and agricultural stakeholders at the Karakul Research Station in Upington, within the ZF Mgcawu District.
Farmers from across the district attended the meeting to discuss their concerns and challenges, raising questions regarding the Blended Finance scheme offered by Land Bank, issues related to title deeds, land ownership and water crisis for their livestock. MEC Motlhaping has requested a meeting be arranged with Land Bank to address the Blended Financing issues affecting farmers. He noted that some farms are lying farrow, left by beneficiaries or either being rented out to the previous owners, highlighting the inefficient use of land resources. He assured farmers that the meeting would not be the last engagement and that some challenges are already being addressed, given the importance of farming as their primary source of income. Prior to the meeting with farmers, the MEC and senior managers held a feedback session with ZF Mgcawu officials to discuss previously raised issues.