MAHIKENG — Farmer support and rural development took centre stage on Wednesday, 24 June 2026 as North West MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development, Madoda Sambatha, tabled a robust R1.2 billion budget for the 2026/2027 financial year.
Delivered at the North West Provincial Legislature by Sambatha, the Policy Speech outlines targeted financial interventions designed to modernise agricultural production, build technical capacity, and revitalise rural economies across the province.
At the heart of the department’s strategy is a combined R22.7 million investment dedicated entirely to human capital and farmer development.
The funding breaks down into three key pillars:
- Skills Development: R8,327,100 allocated to upscale training for over 2,200 farmers in crop production, animal husbandry, and agro-processing.
- Mentorship Programmes: R10,649,100 set aside to pair emerging farmers with experienced industry mentors to improve long-term farm sustainability.
- Graduate Integration: R12,053,923 dedicated to providing stipends and practical training for unemployed agricultural graduates.
Sambatha emphasized that equipping local producers with proper skills is crucial for helping them meet strict commercial market standards.
“This investment is meant to bring services closer to farmers and ensure that the support they need is available where they operate. Through strengthened extension and advisory services, we are working to improve access to technical expertise, enhance productivity and assist farmers to run sustainable and competitive enterprises,” said Sambatha.
To directly boost field output, the department has earmarked R153.1 million through the Comprehensive Agricultural Support Programme (CASP). These funds will provide smallholder and commercial farmers with essential physical inputs, including high-quality seeds, fertilizers, and critical farm infrastructure.
Furthermore, R35.5 million has been specifically carved out to fund extension and advisory services. This allocation aims to deploy technical experts directly to farming communities, ensuring everyday producers have real-time access to scientific and operational expertise. The R1.2 billion budget signals a decisive shift toward structured, grassroots support aimed at transformation and sustainable food security in the North West.
Emerging and small-scale farmers across the North West province have warmly received the latest Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD) budget vote, praising its targeted focus on practical support, skills development, and commercialization.
The budget outlines a clear transformation agenda for the agricultural sector, specifically prioritizing youth, women, agro-processors, and poultry farmers. Local agriculturalists note that the strategic allocations directly reflect the hard realities faced on the ground while addressing long-standing barriers to entry and expansion.
Empowering Emerging Producers
For many small-scale operators, the strategic focus brings a newfound sense of representation. Kesaobaka Sejesho, an emerging poultry farmer and agro-processor from Christiana within the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District Municipality, expressed strong optimism regarding the department’s latest financial roadmap.
“I am encouraged by this year’s DARD budget vote. It is refreshing to see a stronger focus on supporting youth, women, agro-processors, and poultry farmers,” Sejesho stated. “As an emerging poultry farmer and agro-processor working towards becoming a commercial producer, I finally feel seen and included in this vision.”
Sejesho emphasized that the specific commitments—which target skills development, agro-processing infrastructure, and farmer commercialization—are the exact interventions required to transform small agricultural initiatives into highly sustainable, job-creating commercial enterprises.
“My hope is that the budget allocated will translate into real opportunities on the ground, helping emerging farmers grow, create jobs, and contribute to the economy, especially after the significant employment losses our province has experienced,” Sejesho added, looking forward to tracking tangible success stories by next year.
Addressing Land and Infrastructure Realities
The positive sentiment was mirrored by producers in other regions who feel the speech accurately captured the pressing issues confronting rural economies. Neo Mohlamme, a farmer based in the Dr Kenneth Kaunda District, noted that the budget vote efficiently covered vital pressure points, including rural development projects and targeted farmer development initiatives.
Mohlamme particularly lauded the Department’s innovative plans to directly assist farmers who currently operate without land.
According to Mohlamme, lowering this specific barrier will actively create fresh opportunities for new agricultural entrants, enabling broader participation and driving expanded production across the province.
By focusing extensively on production support, improved access to market opportunities, and robust skills training, the DARD budget aims to reverse recent provincial economic setbacks. The department’s structured approach signals a shift toward measurable, practical assistance designed to stimulate long-term economic contribution and food security across the province.
