This is aimed at addressing the challenges faced by farmers who are unable to gain access to funding in the province. The department's spokesperson, Zandisile Luphahla, explains that the blended funding program will consist of funds that the department will put aside to assist farmers who have great business proposals and show viable business strategies to be able to run a profitable agricultural enterprise. Furthermore, MEC Mase Manopole is embarking on a province-wide District Makgotla, which is aimed at addressing challenges faced by farmers, especially women, youth and people living with disabilities.

Sufficient progress is being made in resolving reported critical equipment challenges, and the Onderstepoort Biological Products (OBP) team continues to work closely with its Original Equipment Manufacturers. This is according to OBP in a statement. It adds that as a further contingency measure and within its Original Equipment Manufacturers production protocols, it is also evaluating alternatives, in order to ensure that when the vaccination season commences, the industry has vaccines available. Meanwhile, OBP has reaffirmed its commitment that a minimum of 20 000 African Horse Sickness (AHS) doses will be available in the red zone as requested by the industry. Dr MacDonald Gayakaya, a state vet in Kimberley in the Northern Cape, previously told OFM News that there are four zones recognised in South Africa for the control of AHS, and the Northern Cape is one of these zones.

AND

The North West province has 33 active and registered beekeepers of which most have been assisted with equipment and training by the provincial department of agriculture. This was made known when the department celebrated World Bee Day in Mooifontein under the theme, “Bee engaged: Build back better for bees”. MEC Desbo Mohono emphasised during the celebration that her department has done research and realised that bee farming is worthy, and will support all farmers who are showing interest in and are keen in their endeavour of improving their lives. She further stated that her department intends to mitigate problems people face in the province by creating employment, alleviating poverty in rural communities and providing investment opportunities to small and medium bee farmers.





OFM News