The Eastern Cape Department of Rural Development and Agrarian Reform (DRDAR) has announced a strategic approach to boost agricultural production and create job opportunities by commercializing communal land and reviving irrigation schemes across the province. MEC Nonkqubela Pieters Kontsiwe highlighted these plans during a statement issued on September 12, 2024.
“The aggregation of communal land parcels into commercial units for improved production and agro-processing is essential for inclusive growth,” Kontsiwe said. The department is committed to supporting communal farmers through soil tests, production plans, and partnerships with local authorities and investors to promote grain, livestock, and high-value crops.
Revitalizing underutilized irrigation schemes is a key part of this initiative, with ten irrigation schemes targeted for redevelopment. In partnership with various stakeholders, including the World Bank and Infrastructure South Africa, an estimated R3 billion is expected to be invested. Five schemes will partner with Amadlelo Dairy for milk production, while others will focus on commercial vegetable and Lucerne production.
Kontsiwe emphasized the need for collaboration, stating, “We are working with national government and local authorities to address land tenure issues and explore various partnerships to ensure rural areas fully utilize their arable land for production.”
In addition, DRDAR has allocated R9 million to address water shortages affecting dairy farms, and the department plans to create storage and processing facilities to ensure steady food and animal product supply for domestic markets. The aim is to establish long-term off-take agreements with local landowners, ensuring sustainable commercial agriculture growth in the Eastern Cape.
