The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (KZNDard) plans to launch the fresh produce and red meat hubs, leveraging a budget of R153 million, emphasizing the critical role these initiatives play in job creation, agricultural development and poverty alleviation. Despite facing challenges such as load shedding, high input costs for fertilizer and diesel prices and the lingering Russia-Ukraine war impact – the department aims to capitalize on the agricultural sector’s significant contribution to South Africa’s GDP. Through an Agri-hub program, focus is placed on value addition centres for primary agricultural products (fresh produce and red meat hubs). Key initiatives involve township agriculture, community investment programs, livestock improvement programs to support emerging farmers and intensify programs for food security and smallholder development.
