DEPUTY President Paul Mashatile has lauded Free State farmers for their unwavering commitment to agricultural development, describing their work as essential to the country’s economic growth and food security.
Mashatile, who was joined by Premier MaQueen Letsoha-Mathae, an interministerial delegation and Members of the Executive Council, engaged with local farmers in Bethlehem to celebrate their achievements and address pressing challenges in the sector.
“Let me begin by acknowledging that it is indeed a privilege to return after our last visit, which took place in March of 2024,” he said.
“This visit comes as a result of my commitment to undertake a follow-up visit and at the invitation of Mr Pitso Sekhoto, the group chairperson of Remmoho Investment Agriculture.”
The Deputy President’s visit included a tour of key agricultural projects such as the Maluti Apple Packhouse and Stead Apple Farm, which play a vital role in the government’s Agriculture and Agro-Processing Master Plan (AAMP).
He commended these initiatives for their role in transforming the fruit-growing industry and unlocking new economic opportunities.
“It is commendable that the apple production and agro-processing project has made significant headway thus far, which includes driving transformation in the apple and other fruit-growing commodity industries,” Mashatile said.
Minister of Agriculture John Steenhuisen echoed these sentiments, praising Free State farmers for their resilience and dedication.
“You have a government that is on your side,” Steenhuisen said.
“We must ensure that all farmers – small-scale, emerging and commercial – have access to the agricultural value chain. Our goal is to grow viable, profitable, and sustainable farming enterprises.”
Mashatile assured farmers that government engagement in the sector would become more frequent, ensuring that both challenges and opportunities were adequately addressed.
He emphasised the importance of unity in tackling the country’s socio-economic challenges.
The visit underscored the government’s commitment to fostering an inclusive agricultural sector, reinforcing partnerships between policymakers and farmers, and driving sustainable economic growth in rural communities. – Staff Reporter