THE FUSE

The North West Department of Agriculture and Rural Development is set to strengthen agricultural production and market access with the launch of seven new agricultural value-adding facilities across the province. North West MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development, Madoda Sambatha, will officially launch the facilities as part of ongoing efforts to support farmers and grow the provincial agricultural economy. The facilities are located in Mogogelo, Bloemhof, Taung, Kgomo-Kgomo, Tlhatlhaganyane and two sites in Mahikeng. The investment is designed to address some of the infrastructure challenges that have made it difficult for smallholder, emerging and commercial farmers to expand their businesses. By improving access to processing, storage and marketing infrastructure, the department aims to create stronger links between farmers and markets while supporting rural economic development.