Taung agricultural hub to connect farmers to markets

Rural Development MEC Desbo Mohono says the new Taung Agro Hub will provide essential support for small-scale farmers. Image: NWPG

A sod-turning ceremony for the first facility of its kind in the province was held at the construction site, which is situated at Taung Agricultural College.

The cost of construction of the Agro-Hub ies estimated at R10m.

Agriculture and Rural Development MEC Desbo Mohono, who turned the sod to mark the start of construction, said the support provided to smallholder farmers gives them a better opportunity to showcase their potential in contributing towards developing the agricultural sector and improving the country's food security.

"This hub will create market opportunities for locally-grown agricultural products, especially fruit and vegetables. It will foster the province's economic growth and increase job creation, while ensuring that fresh and healthy produce is available for the communities," said Mohono.

Zamane Sokhupha, of Dirisanang Food Plot in Dryharts village - who is also the chairman of the Taung Agro-Hub - said as farmers, they applaud the work being done by the department, which they regard as beneficial to farmers and consumers alike.

"Farmers are always looking for opportunities to sell their products, and this development is great for agriculture in the Taung area," he said.

It is expected that the Taung Agro-Hub project will offer smallholder farmers in the area the advantage to share fresh produce market infrastructure and transport, resulting in positive economies of scale.

The facility will allow farmers to bring in their produce to the hub where it will be cleaned, stored, graded and packed and have labels added so it complies with food safety standards.

The construction work, which is scheduled to be completed by the end of the current financial year, will incorporate handling and processing facilities, such as cooling services, processing equipment and loading facilities.

Mohono said the establishment of the hub is a means for the department to contribute towards the stimulation of economic activities around the Taung area.