Speaking to OFM News’Lee Simmons , Brian Setswambung, who is the provincial head of communication, elaborates more on this. 

Setswambung says Agriculture is one of the key drivers of the economy in the North West. It contributes 2.9% to the GDP in the provincial economy. The province is also the third-largest producer of maize and this translates into seventeen (17%) percent of maize produced in South Africa, explains Setswambung.

While the province is leading the pack in terms of poultry production as well as vegetable produce, such as beetroot and onions, it is trailing behind in terms of agro-processing, adds Setswambung.

He says the government is looking at capitalising on the provincial and district corridors to lure investments to the province. Among others, this will be carried out through the Accelerated Service Delivery Plan to respond to challenges such as water provision and road infrastructure, explains Setswambung.

Setswambung quotes Premier Maape, who says: “The plan is assisting us in creating a tangible environment for business to thrive in our province. We are busy patching potholes and resurfacing our roads so that our produce can move with ease from one point to the other. This model is being implemented across the province."

Lastly, the meeting with farmers forms part of ongoing efforts by government to resuscitate and grow the sector while creating opportunities for new entrants to participate actively in the provincial economy, says Setswambung.

 OFM News/Lee Simmons