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Agri News Podcast: Food security in FS tackled

───   10:43 Thu, 11 Apr 2019

Agri News Podcast: Food security in FS tackled | News Article

The prevailing drought in the Free State continues to compromise food security, says the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development in the province.


To make sure that food insecurity is tackled extensively, the Free State Food Security Stakeholders has forged a partnership with various departments in the province, including the Departments of Health, Social Development, Public Works, and the Department of Water and Sanitation to resuscitate Food and Nutrition Security programme.This follows as the province was hit hard by failed harvests, drought, increasing input costs, and low livestock price in recent months. According to reports, about 30 000 jobs were lost in the agricultural sector due to drought in the province.To ease the pressure, the Department of Treasury late last year provided Agriculture and Rural Development with R13.5m in drought relief.

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Free State MEC of Agriculture and Rural Development, Benny Malakoane, says they will ensure that the food security programme they established a few years ago, continues to grow and feeds communities. Malakoane spoke to OFM News in Thaba 'Nchu, where on Thursday he met with communities regarding the food security programme. He says it is the department’s mandate to provide a sustainable food security programme and grow the economy.He encouraged communities to establish cooperatives and grow backyard gardens in order to make sure they provide food for their immediate families, as well as communities. He says the food security programme will remain at the top of the government’s agenda in order to alleviate hunger and poverty.



OFM News/Michael Thlakudi

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