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CHIEF DIRECTORATE: CORPORATE SERVICES DIRECTORATE: COMMUNICATION SERVICES MEDIA RELEASE

Mahikeng Farmers’ Market welcomed by farmers and the locals

Saturday, 26th May 2012

Mahikeng: The Mahikeng Farmers’ Market which was officially launched on Saturday, 26th May 2012 has been widely branded as a creative, interesting and worthwhile approach that is designed to bridge the trade gap between the smallholder farmers and the local communities. This informal market was launched by the MEC responsible for North West Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, Ms Desbo Mohono at the North-West University, Mahikeng campus.

Smallholder farmers from Ngaka Modiri Molema district who did not want this opportunity to slip through their hands, came in numbers to sell their produce which varied from vegetables and fruit to meat and dairy products.

“ This initiative far exceeded my expectations, and it is a great opportunity which smallholder farmers like myself should take advantage of, since access to markets is a massive challenge for us,” uttered Mr Moss Moruakgomo, who is owning Dimela farms in Ramatlabama.

WE BELONG WE CARE WE SERVE Moruakgomo said the support from the public was also amazing, saying farmers hope to enjoy this kind of support in future market activities, “as this will help to sustain this good initiative”, added Moruakgomo.

One of the local residents who was part of the first day of the market, Ms Lorraine Marang said, “Everything that is being sold here is charged at a reasonable price, the goods are also fresh and they represent the good work that farmers out there do on daily basis”.

Ms Desbo Mohono, the MEC for department of Agriculture and Rural Development said this initiative should not be seen as just another government programme, saying “this is an investment in the economy of Mahikeng and the province; an investment that will represent North West as a true agricultural province because more food will be produced and more job opportunities will be created.”

“ From what I have seen here, it is clear that this market will significantly contribute towards the attainment of the goals of the Zero Hunger strategy and ultimately alleviation of poverty especially among local communities,” acknowledged Mohono.

The Mahikeng Farmers’ market which will continue to operate from 06h00 till 10h00 on Saturdays, on a fortnightly basis during winter and between 05h00 and 10h00 during summer, was initiated by the department of Agriculture and Rural Development in partnership with the North West University, Mafikeng Local Municipality, Organized Agriculture and other stakeholders.

As MEC Mohono explains, farmers will through this informal initiative, be encouraged to improve on production because they will take their produce to this informal market after harvesting. This project will be rolled out to other districts in future, for other smallholders farmers across the province to benefit from the objectives of this initiative.

WE BELONG WE CARE WE SERVE Farmers in Ngaka Modiri Molema district who are interested in participating in future Mahikeng Farmers’ Market are encouraged to contact the department on the following numbers: Ms Lizzy Kotlhai on 018 389 5335, Mr Ketlile Mabiletsa on 072 202 2863 or Mr Mothusiotsile Setlhabi on 073 199 6899.

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Issued by the Directorate Communication Services Contact Person: Bonolo Mohlakoana (Ms) 082 901 2435 / 018 389 5719 [email protected] [email protected]

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