Deputy Speaker, can the Minister advise as to the measures or plans in place to increase the roll-out of farming equipment and other logistical assistance to rural communities in and around Mpumalanga. I thank you.
The MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE, FORESTRY AND FISHERIES: Hon Deputy Speaker, the department has intervened in the Mpumalanga agriculture department by assisting them with planting additional land. The Comprehensive Agricultural Support Programme, CASP, has supported Mpumalanga to provide infrastructure to smallholder farmers by assisting them with production inputs, training of farmers, recruitment, resourcing and upgrading the qualifications of extension officers.
The Department of Rural Development and Land Reform in conjunction with the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries have an extensive programme of land reform projects for the support of smallholder farmers. The upgrading of the Lowveld College and the establishment of the Marapyane College in conjunction with the Department of Rural Development and Land Reform have contributed to the development of agriculture in the province. I thank you.