The agricultural development programs in Limpopo are coordinated by the Limpopo Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (LDARD) under the 7th Administration led by Premier Dr. Phophi Ramathuba and MEC Nakedi Kekana.
In Limpopo, agriculture is designated as one of the top three economic cornerstones for provincial development and job creation.
Core Support Pillars and Frameworks
1. Annual Producer Support:
Offers tiered assistance to subsistence, smallholder, commercial, and mega producers. Support categories cover on- and off-farm infrastructure development, agro-processing equipment, production inputs, and mechanisation assistance.
2. Livestock Improvement Programme (Re-Sale Scheme):
LDARD actively assists emerging livestock farmers through a specialized resale framework.
This project provides access to quality livestock genetic resources (breeding stock) to help farmers revitalize their herds following recent droughts and Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) outbreaks.
3. Tribal Authority Land Partnerships:
To expand localized operations, the department collaborates with 16 tribal authorities across Limpopo.
These authorities have collectively allocated 700 hectares of land for job-creating community agricultural projects.
4. Zebediela Citrus Estate Master Plan:
The Premier’s office drives public-private initiatives to restore historic agricultural landmarks.
Government MECs work directly with the Bjatladi Communal Property Association (CPA) on a comprehensive expansion master plan.
5. Youth Agribusiness Project Funding:
Administered via the Office of the Premier for the current financial cycle, youth-led (aged 18–40) agricultural and agro-processing startups can apply for direct project funding ranging from R500 000 to R3 000 000.
BY LUCKY SEANEGO
