In order for South Africa’s agricultural sector to grow there must be more education on food and an agricultural and health policy is needed.
According to the National Development Plan, South Africa wants to create a million jobs in agriculture by 2030, but this will not be easy, due to increased mechanisation, amongst other challenges, employment in the sector fell from 1.4 million people to 600,000 between 2000 and 2014.
To help boost this sector, the state plans on establishing agri-parks across the country, which will boost output and production. The department has been allocated R6 billion over the next three years for the project to boost agro-processing output and agricultural production. Farmers will own 70% of the parks.
Agricultural expert, Louise Fresco believes the boost also needs involvement from farmers and communities. However, one of South Africa’s main concerns is that there isn’t a next generation of farmers, as people are not interested in farming.
Fresco, also wants children to learn how seeds become a vegetable and school gardens are a great way to help educate children about the process of food and its safety.
Supermarkets should get involved with agricultural schemes which will increase production.
Source: freshplaza
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