Eastern Cape Launches R100 Million Cropping Season to Boost Food Security and Youth Participation

The Eastern Cape Department of Agriculture officially launched the R100 million 2025/26 Cropping Season in Bhaziya Village, Mthatha. The event, held during World Food Security Month, brought together farmers, agribusiness stakeholders, and government representatives to reaffirm the province’s commitment to food security, poverty reduction, and inclusive agricultural growth.

MEC for Agriculture, Nonceba Kontsiwe, led the event and emphasized the central role of youth in driving the province’s agricultural transformation. She urged young people to view agriculture not as a last resort but as a viable and profitable career path. Kontsiwe highlighted that youth participation is essential for innovation, job creation, and the long-term sustainability of the province’s food systems.

The MEC outlined the provincial government’s multi-pronged strategy to combat food insecurity and rural poverty. The approach includes expanding access to arable land, improving mechanization support, and providing inputs such as seeds and fertilizer to smallholder farmers. The department also plans to strengthen farmer training programs and improve market access through strategic partnerships with agribusinesses and cooperatives.

Kontsiwe stated that the R100 million investment for the 2025/26 cropping season will prioritize emerging and small-scale farmers, particularly in rural communities. The initiative aims to increase crop yields, enhance local food production, and reduce dependency on imported produce. By targeting both household-level and commercial farming support, the program seeks to create sustainable livelihoods while addressing hunger across the province.

The launch in Bhaziya Village marked more than the start of a new planting season. It symbolized a renewed commitment to building resilient food systems that empower local farmers, especially women and youth. With its focus on inclusive development, the Eastern Cape Department of Agriculture continues to position the province as a key contributor to national food security and rural transformation.