Agro fund to create jobs and drive rural growth by 2027, says agriculture MEC
The MEC for agriculture, rural development, land and environmental affairs (Dardlea), Khethiwe Moeketsi, tabled the department's 2025/26 financial year budget at the Provincial Legislature on Tuesday, July 22.
The department received approximately R1.6b for the financial year.Moeketsi touched on various issues and plans the department has for the people of Mpumalanga.
She said Mpumalanga remains a predominantly rural province, but one with immense agricultural potential, favourable climatic conditions and abundant resources.
ALSO READ: Mpumalanga Fresh Produce Market misses another deadline: Agriculture announces postponement of launch
When discussing the Mpumalanga Agro Fund, she described it as a transformative R400m blended-finance partnership designed to drive inclusive agricultural development within the province.
'This is a strategic undertaking between Dardlea and the National Empowerment Fund. The agro fund is open to other strategic partners, and various agreements of collaboration are under way.'
The expected impact includes the creation of 1 200 new agro-processing jobs by 2027; focused investment in key value chains such as grains, poultry, cannabis and aquaculture; and direct support to strategic zones such as the Nkangala Grain Corridor and the Mkhondo AgriHub.
Moeketsi discussed a strategic focus on targeted groups. She said their focus remains clear: youth, women and persons with disabilities must be central to the agricultural revolution.
'This year, we will operationalise the Inkanyezi Poultry Project at Chief Albert Luthuli and activate 'Eggsellent by Lebo' at Thembisile Hani Municipality, both female-owned enterprises. As we approach Women's Month, we are conscious of the integral role women play in this sector.
'We continue with the focus on empowering women in agriculture, rural development and the environment. We will strengthen this empowerment to ensure that farming, agro-processing and environmental activities are streamlined.'
The revival of the Senteeko Tea Estate in the City of Mbombela is one of the matters discussed during the budget speech.
The tea estate has now been restituted to the Shamile CPA Committee and includes electrification, sewer upgrades and factory design.
ALSO READ: Public works and Bushbuckridge municipality give back to Vuhlayiselo Disability Centre
'There are farmers in the Bushbuckridge Local Municipality who will be supported with irrigation systems and perimeter fencing for vegetable production, such as Danica Primary Cooperative and Elmorah Green.'
Moeketsi also mentioned the Phezukomkhono Mlimi Programme, saying it represents a strategic shift in addressing food insecurity.
'Not through temporary handouts, but by empowering communities to produce their own food and build sustainable livelihoods. This approach focuses on enabling self-sufficiency, resilience and dignity.
'In 2025/26, we will support 13 000 households, establish 690 food gardens, and cultivate 18 000 hectares, creating 520 Expanded Public Works Programme jobs in the process,' Moeketsi said.
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