The North-Western Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Madoda Sambata, recently handed over the Cassper Agri-Life vegetable packaging plant to farmers from Mogogelo village. This handover marks the launch of the department's third agricultural packaging plant as part of efforts to strengthen agricultural production, agro-processing, and market access across the province.
This launch followed the recent opening of the MOR Farming packaging plant in Lekwa-Teemane municipality and the Jantjies Boerdery Lucerne packaging plant in Greater Town municipality.
According to the department, these projects are part of the department's investments in agricultural infrastructure aimed at supporting farmers, improving their market access, and creating opportunities for rural economic development. The department noted that small and emerging farmers often face difficulties due to limited capacity for processing, storing, and marketing their produce. These issues can lead to post-harvest losses, reduced product quality, and challenges in accessing formal markets.
The department stated that through these investments, it intends to solve these problems and help farmers achieve better returns on their produce. The Cassper Agri-Life project is expected to increase vegetable production, improve local farmers' market access, create jobs, and contribute to economic growth in the Moretele area.
As part of the support, the department financed and built a fully equipped packaging plant, production tunnels, a borehole, a backup generator, and mobile cold storage facilities. This infrastructure will help enhance production capabilities, maintain product quality, and allow farmers to reach wider markets.
Speaking at the handover ceremony, the executive mayor of Bojanala Platinum municipality, Susan Ntangeni, described Moretele as an area with strong agricultural potential and urged community members to utilize the available opportunities. She emphasized that Moretele is the cradle of agriculture, and the community must harness this strength. She also advised residents to actively approach municipal and agricultural department offices for uplifting information.
The recipient of the aid, Tapelo Madumo, expressed gratitude to the department and its partners for the support provided, including packaging facilities and agricultural extension services. He noted that these resources have strengthened his farming journey and given him confidence in growth and improvement. Madumo also urged young and emerging farmers to take responsibility for their endeavors and remain dedicated to their goals, advising them to change their mindset, embrace hard work, and show self-dedication.
Addressing the public, Sambata stated that this facility is part of the government's broader efforts to build a sustainable and competitive agricultural sector. He affirmed the department's commitment to creating an enabling environment for farmer prosperity, improving market access, reducing post-harvest losses, and ensuring meaningful participation of farmers in the agricultural value chain, thereby contributing to food security and rural economic development.