MEC Khethiwe Moeketsi.
The Department of Agriculture, Rural Development, Land and Environmental Affairs MEC, Khethiwe Moeketsi, has presented the department’s 2026/27 Policy and Budget Vote of R1.827 billion.
Outlining a comprehensive plan to strengthen food security, expand rural economic opportunities, and position agriculture as a key driver of economic growth in Mpumalanga.
Presenting the budget, Moeketsi emphasised that agriculture remains the backbone of many rural communities, providing livelihoods, employment, and opportunities for agro-processing industries across the province.
She said the department’s priorities are aligned with the provincial government’s commitment to tackling poverty, unemployment, and inequality through investment in productive sectors.
Among the flagship projects highlighted was the Mpumalanga International Food Market (MIF), which has begun on-boarding its first client, Green Farms, for the storage of macadamia nuts.
The facility is expected to boost local agricultural trade, improve market access for farmers, and contribute to economic growth.
The department has also appointed 11 market agents, nine of whom are fully black-owned enterprises, reflecting the province’s commitment to transformation.
To bring markets closer to communities, the department will invest R78 million in the establishment of 30 Food Market Squares across the province.
The initiative is expected to create approximately 120 SMME opportunities and stimulate local economic development.
The budget also prioritises agricultural transformation through the Mpumalanga AgroFund, a blended finance programme developed in partnership with the National Empowerment Fund.
The fund offers affordable financing of up to R7.5 million to qualifying farming enterprises.
Since its launch, nine transactions benefiting youth, women, and persons with disabilities have been approved, supporting sectors such as poultry production, grain farming, vegetable production, and agro-processing.
Food security remains a key focus, with the department targeting support for 12,075 vulnerable households during the financial year.
Investments in irrigation systems, greenhouse tunnels, and climate-smart agricultural projects are expected to increase production and improve resilience against climate change.
The department has also allocated R198 million for the rehabilitation of agricultural infrastructure damaged by floods, including dams, roads, bridges, and irrigation systems.
In response to Foot-and-Mouth Disease outbreaks, veterinary services have already vaccinated more than 500,000 cattle as part of a province-wide disease control campaign.
Moeketsi said the budget demonstrates government’s commitment to building a resilient agricultural sector that can feed communities, create jobs, and drive inclusive economic transformation across Mpumalanga.
The department’s R1.827 billion budget is allocated as follows:
- Administration: R237.951 million
- Sustainable Resource Use and Management: R80.208 million
- Agricultural Producer Support and Development: R818.607 million
- Veterinary Services: R172.515 million
- Research and Technology Development Services: R78.253 million
- Agricultural Economics Services: R213.298 million
- Agricultural Education and Training: R44.528 million
- Rural Development Coordination: R27.627 million
- Environmental Affairs: R154.036 million
