THE Free State government is ramping up efforts to boost agriculture and rural development, with Premier MaQueen Letsoha-Mathae underscoring the sector’s critical role in the provincial economy during her State of the Province Address (SOPA) on Friday.
She highlighted that agriculture currently contributes six percent to the Free State’s economy, reaffirming its importance in driving economic growth and job creation.
“Because of our Comprehensive Commodity Support Programme, 47 smallholder producers were capacitated to be commercial producers,” said Letsoha-Mathae, emphasising the province’s commitment to transforming small-scale farming into commercially viable enterprises.
A major focus of the government’s strategy is the revitalisation of rural areas through agri-parks, farmer production support units, agri hubs and rural-urban market centres.
These initiatives are designed to stimulate inclusive growth, enhance food security and promote value-added agricultural activities.
“We have already established agri-parks in Kgolokoeng, Zastron, Ficksburg and Kroonstad,” Letsoha-Mathae stated, adding that these facilities also include farmer production support units to assist local farmers with production inputs, technical support and market access.
She said the province is also placing significant emphasis on agro-processing to enhance agricultural value chains and create employment opportunities.
“We have supported 35 agri-businesses with agro-processing initiatives,” the premier announced.
The Free State government’s focus on agriculture and rural development aligns with broader national objectives to stimulate economic growth in underdeveloped areas while ensuring sustainable food production. – Staff Reporter