MASOYI – The MEC for the agriculture, rural development, land and environmental affairs, Mr Vusi Shongwe, urged the youth to pursue careers in agricultural fields.
Agriculture forms the basis of human life as every product needed for daily survival, be it food or clothes, originates from the soil.
“We must do away with the myth that agricultural work is for the illiterate and unskilled. That’s not true. The young ones must be encouraged to take agricultural careers to fight unemployment and hunger,” said Shongwe.
He said this after driving a tractor and the symbolic ploughing of fields in Malekutu, which was followed by the launch of the provincial ploughing season’s Masibuyele Emasimini programme.
Shongwe called on farmers to till their fields and backyards to ensure food for all.
He also handed over five tractors to the farmers of the area and urged them to take good care of them.
He warned farmers to make use of the government tractors and avoid any dodgy deals while using them as they may face the full might of the department.
“Akukho bari ezoncengwa la, if you don’t use the tractors government will take them away,” Shongwe said.
He also warned officials who asked bribes from farmers for them to have access to the tractors, that they will be dismissed with immediate effect.
The head of agriculture department, Ms Sindisiwe Xulu, said the department was bringing the essentials to the community in the hope that, despite the little rain received, farmers will be able to plough.
“The little rain we received lately gives us hope that we will plough. We encourage pastors to pray for rain,” said Xulu. She concluded by calling the attendees to promote #RainMustFall.
Ms Grace Mndawe from Hazyview Cooperative thanked the department for supporting farmers through the donation of tractors, seedlings and manure.
“Even if we don’t get enough rainfall, we make use of the little we get and continue to plough even if it is dry. We hope that it will rain,” she said.
Also read: MEC Shongwe launches ploughing season
See gallery:Ploughing season launched
