Agriculture
North West Agri-Hub to alleviate poverty, ensure food security─── KEKELETSO MOSEBETSI 16:16 Tue, 04 Mar 2025
The premier of North West has hailed the launch of the Agri-Hub in the province as a key initiative to combat poverty and enhance food security.
Speaking at the launch on Monday (2/3) on the Mahikeng NWU campus, Lazarus Mokgosi said the project will empower emerging farmers by equipping them with the skills and knowledge needed to establish sustainable and competitive agricultural enterprises.
This initiative, a collaboration between the provincial government and NWU, is meant to strengthen the province’s agricultural sector. Mokgosi said it aligns with the provincial growth and development strategy, which prioritises agriculture as a key driver of economic growth, poverty reduction, and job creation.
“The launch of this flagship programme not only demonstrates our commitment to fighting poverty and reducing the high cost of living, but it also underscores our focus on achieving sustainable economic growth through agriculture,” Mokgosi said.
The project aims to offer a range of services, including research, technological support, skills development, and capacity building for farmers. Additionally, the programme will work to develop sustainable markets for agricultural products, ensuring long-term economic stability for the province.
The Agri-Hub will initially focus on three key commodities: beef, goat farming, and crop production. This targeted approach is expected to increase productivity and establish a more competitive agricultural sector in the province.
“A lot of groundwork needs to be done within our accelerated service delivery programme (Thuntsa Lerole),” Mokgosi said, adding the project will align with the agriculture and agro-processing masterplan to drive meaningful transformation in the sector.
Mokgosi also highlighted the importance of technology in modern agriculture. Oscar Mosiane, NWU’s communications manager, elaborated on how the university plans to integrate cutting-edge technology, such as drones, to support farmers.
Drones will assist in monitoring livestock and crops, enabling farmers to quickly detect and address potential issues. Additionally, technology will play a crucial role in optimising water usage, a vital resource in agricultural production.
Mosiane further noted that NWU is providing the necessary infrastructure to support the Agri-Hub, including a farm and an animal clinic, ensuring that farmers have access to the resources they need to succeed.
