Cropping season in the Eastern Cape underway

According to the Department of Rural Development and Agrarian Reform’s report, 28000 hectares of land in the Eastern Cape will be planted with maize.

The department’s minister, Nonkqubela Pieters said that R99 million is expected to be used to plant maize in the Eastern Cape.

“More than 6000 hectares are expected to be planted with maize in these districts, namely Chris Hani, Amathole, Alfred Nzo, and OR Tambo, while in Joe Gqabi we will only plant more than 2000 hectares of land,” explained Pieters.

Tools including seeds were sent last month to various districts in the Eastern Cape.

“The launch of this cropping season this year will be held in Lufafa village in Ntabankulu,” said Pieters.

Before the launch of the cropping season, there will be planting demonstrations. The Eastern Cape province is constantly at the bottom when it comes to planting maize.

According to recent reports, Nigeria is Africa’s leading producer of maize.

In an effort to assist rural farmers, the Eastern Cape government has facilities to assist with equipment in all districts of the province.