Caption: MEC Hlophe(2nd from left) alongside DARDLEA officials during the policy and budget speech
By Lwazi Raul-Shongwe and Kopano Dibakwane
Mpumalanga MEC for the Department of Agriculture, Rural Development, Land and Environmental Affairs(DARDLEA) has announced that her department has been allocated a budget of over One Billion Five Hundred-Thirteen Million Rand.
Hlophe revealed the budget as she unpacked the policy and budget speech for the 2024/25 financial year at the Provincial Legislature, in Mbombela, on Thursday 8 August.
MEC Hlophe aims in stimulating rural economy through Afro-processing, particularly of grain products through the Grain Corridor in Nkangala District.
Focus will also be in increasing production on land reform farms through Greening Mpumalanga programme, and the operation of Agrihubs, both for the Mkhuhlu and Mkhondo Markets,” said DARDLEA
MEC Hlophe said that the recently completed Mpumalanga Fresh Produce Market will be used as a catalyst to stimulate rapid inclusive growth of the agriculture sector and create more jobs.
“ Another priority is increasing Animal Production through Masibuyel’ Esibayeni, training, research and development, animal health, and Climate Change Interventions and the opportunities it presents,” said DARDLEA.
