Provincial Agriculture MEC William Bulwane said in an interview with OFM News that the province did not qualify for funds this year. The Ministry of Agriculture said in a written answer to a question tabled in Parliament that only seven provinces – including Northern Cape and North West – are receiving millions for various projects. 

Bulwane says although farmers could operate during the higher lockdown levels, supporting businesses and services were not available.

Bulwane says these challenges had a negative impact on the province’s reputation as the breadbasket of the country, precisely because of the challenges they are faced with. 

“We used to contribute 15%, now we are contributing 4.8% to the GDP, says Bulwane. He adds they should intensify and invest more money in agriculture, because he believes that agriculture is the only stable economic sector now that other economic sectors are falling.

Bulwane says they are badly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Farmers were allowed to take their products anywhere, but as a result of Covid-19 those places are closed as they are complying with the regulations.

OFM News/Blaine Jones