Phahama Grain Phakama Ukukhula Conference Focuses on Growing Farmers, Production and Food Security

The Phahama Grain Phakama Ukukhula Conference is officially underway at NAMPO Park, bringing farmers and agricultural stakeholders together around a clear message of growth. The conference opened with a prayer led by David Nkambule, followed by remarks from PGP Chairperson Jeremia Mathebula. The word “Ukukhula” means growth, and that principle sits at the centre of the conference programme. The focus is on growing farmers, increasing productive hectares and improving harvests while creating opportunities for sustainable agricultural businesses. The gathering also places food security at the centre of discussions about the future of grain farming and agricultural development.

The conference creates a platform for farmers to lead conversations about the issues that affect their businesses and production activities. Rather than focusing only on agricultural theory, the event is intended as a space for listening, engagement and action. Farmers bring practical experience from their fields and can identify challenges that directly affect production, business growth and market participation. These discussions are important because agricultural development depends on solutions that respond to conditions faced by producers. Bringing farmers together can also create opportunities to share experiences, identify common challenges and consider practical ways to strengthen grain production.

Growing farmers is a central part of the Ukukhula message because agricultural development depends on producers having the capacity to establish and expand viable farming businesses. Farmers need access to productive land, inputs, knowledge, infrastructure, finance and markets to build sustainable operations. The growth of individual farming enterprises can contribute to broader agricultural development when increased production creates demand for services, employment and other business activities. Supporting farmers also means recognising that producers operate at different stages of development and may require different forms of assistance. A conference focused on farmer growth can therefore help keep practical producer needs at the centre of agricultural discussions.

The focus on growing hectares also points to the importance of expanding productive agricultural capacity. More productive land can create opportunities to increase grain production when farmers have the resources and infrastructure required to manage it effectively. However, agricultural expansion needs to be matched with appropriate planning, access to inputs, water where required and suitable farming practices. Simply increasing the amount of land under cultivation does not automatically guarantee higher yields or stronger businesses. Sustainable growth requires farmers to use available resources efficiently while maintaining the long-term productivity of their farming operations.

Growing harvests is another important part of the conference’s focus. Higher and more reliable production can strengthen farm businesses while contributing to food availability. Grain production plays an important role in food systems because grains are used directly as food and as inputs in other agricultural and food-related activities. Improving harvests can involve better production practices, appropriate technology, improved farm management and access to relevant knowledge. Farmers therefore need opportunities to learn from one another and engage with developments that can help them improve productivity.

The conference also highlights the connection between farming and sustainable business development. Agriculture is a business as well as a production activity, and farmers need to understand costs, markets, risk and long-term planning. Sustainable agricultural businesses need to generate enough value to continue operating, reinvest in production and respond to changing conditions. Creating stronger businesses can also help farmers become more resilient when they face production or market challenges. The focus on sustainable enterprises therefore complements the conference’s emphasis on growing farmers, hectares and harvests.

Food security provides a broader reason for focusing on agricultural growth. A strong food system depends on farmers being able to produce food consistently and sustainably. When productive farming businesses grow, they can contribute to the availability of agricultural products while supporting economic activity in farming communities. Food security also depends on many factors beyond farm production, but farmers remain an essential part of the food supply chain. Strengthening grain production and supporting viable farming businesses can therefore contribute to wider efforts to build a more secure food system.

The opening of the Ukukhula Conference with prayer and leadership remarks also establishes a tone of collective purpose. David Nkambule opened the programme with a prayer before PGP Chairperson Jeremia Mathebula addressed the gathering. Their participation marked the beginning of discussions centred on agricultural growth and action. Leadership at an agricultural conference can help establish priorities and encourage participants to engage with the issues facing farmers. The emphasis on growth provides a clear direction for the conversations taking place at NAMPO Park.

The decision to place farmers at the centre of the conversation is particularly significant. Farmers have direct experience of planting decisions, production risks, input costs, weather conditions, labour requirements and market pressures. Their knowledge can help identify where support is working and where improvements may be needed. Listening to farmers also creates an opportunity for different producers to learn from experiences beyond their own operations. A stronger agricultural sector requires these practical voices to be part of discussions about policies, programmes, investment and future opportunities.

The Ukukhula Conference also reflects the importance of collaboration within agriculture. Farmers do not operate in isolation, and successful production depends on relationships with suppliers, buyers, financial institutions, service providers, researchers, government and other agricultural stakeholders. Conferences can create spaces where these different groups meet and exchange ideas. Such engagement can help identify partnerships and opportunities that may not emerge through individual farm operations. Turning discussions into action will be important if the conference is to contribute to meaningful agricultural growth.

For emerging and established farmers alike, the emphasis on action is important because agricultural challenges cannot be addressed through discussion alone. Farmers need practical opportunities to improve production, access markets and strengthen their businesses. Agricultural organisations and stakeholders also need to understand the barriers that prevent producers from reaching their full potential. A conference that encourages participants to listen, engage and act can help move conversations towards practical outcomes. The value of the event will ultimately depend on how ideas and commitments are carried forward beyond the conference.

The Phahama Grain Phakama Ukukhula Conference therefore carries a message that is both simple and significant. Growth in agriculture means more than increasing production figures because it also involves strengthening farmers, developing sustainable businesses and improving the capacity of the food system. The focus on farmers, hectares and harvests connects individual agricultural enterprises with the wider goal of food security. Bringing producers together at NAMPO Park provides an opportunity to discuss challenges, share knowledge and identify practical actions. If the spirit of Ukukhula is translated into sustained action, it can help support stronger farming businesses, increased agricultural production and a more secure food future.