In a significant move to bolster local agriculture and combat food insecurity, MEC for Agriculture in the Eastern Cape, Nonceba Kontsiwe, recently handed over a comprehensive package of gardening inputs, tools and animal feed to farmers in Tsitsikama, in the Sarah Baartman District.

The handover is a key component of the provincial government's broader strategy to alleviate poverty and unemployment through sustainable agricultural development.

The support provided included cabbage, onion and carrot seedlings with fertilizer, along with essential gardening tools such as spades, fork spades and hoes, benefiting 16 backyard vegetable producers.

Additionally, eight piggery farmers and five poultry farmers received crucial animal feed supplies.

MEC Kontsiwe emphasized the department's dedication to empowering local food producers. Food prices continue to increase, and consumers might not be able to keep up with the inflation," said MEC Kontsiwe.

She added: As the department, we are deliberate in our efforts to increase food production, combat hunger, ensure food security and sustain livelihoods. We visited the Tsitsikamma community to hand over much-needed fertiliser, gardening tools, seedlings, seeds and animal feed to communal farmers in the area. We want them to cultivate and expand their livestock and serve as hope in their community".

The initiative has been met with enthusiasm by the local farming community, who have expressed that this investment will significantly aid in growing their enterprises and alleviate the financial strain of purchasing necessary inputs and implements.

MEC Kontsiwe also highlighted plans for agricultural development in the region. "This handover comes at a time when the Department of Agriculture has opened the door for partnerships under the Ilima LokuLima Community Food Production Scheme.

This ambitious initiative, set to run from 2025 to 2030, aims to ramp up food production at both household and community levels,” she stated.

Vegetable farmer, Ntshobodi Nqaba said: I am very happy with the seedlings I got for the department and the tools will assist me a lot in achieving greater returns.”

The Provincial Government through the Department of Agriculture remains committed to supporting emerging farmers across the Eastern Cape, fostering resilience, and building a more food-secure future for all its residents.