A few tips on the Do’s and Dont’s, and boom….the DARDLEA MEC Ms Busi Shiba was on the steering wheel of a tractor as she marked the official start of the 2022 Planting Season at a farm outside Kwamhlanga in the Thembisile Hani Local Municipality. This was during a gesture that also formed part of commemorating the Provincial World Food Day.
Held under the Theme: “Leave no one behind. Better Production, Better Nutrition, a Better Environment, and a Better Life For All”, launching the Phezukomkhono Mlimi Planting Season was aimed at encouraging communities and households to play a part in food production to fight poverty and hunger.
Addressing thousands of locals and farmers alike, some who hailed from as far as Bohlabela, Ehlanzeni and Gert Sibande Districts, MEC Shiba promoted a smart-agriculture approach, which enables households to produce food, regardless of the size of their space, using new Climate Change-friendly methods.
She also visited households in the area, to encouraged them on the importance of planting both fruit and indigenous trees & maintaining food gardens using water-saving means, including a Climate Change & water-saving Smart Agriculture Box, and handed over garden starter packs and food parcels to the needy families. Many other identified families received similar donations at the Solomon Mahlangu Stadium.
The event also drew the attention of media and many exhibitors from sister Departments and other organisations. Gospel sensation Bathabile Skosana was there doing what she does best – wowing the crowds.
