Agriculture continues to contribute greatly to overall employment. This is according to the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development which says the sector employed 880 000 people in 2023’s first quarter.
Strong production in field crops, fruits, forestry and aquaculture in Gauteng, KZN and the Western Cape have driven these numbers.
The Department believes, through its Crop Estimate Committee, that the 2022/23 commercial maize harvest will be at about 15.9 million tonnes, up 3% from the previous year.
“In conversations with farmers and agribusinesses, we have noticed the rising concerns that the geopolitical tensions across the world, and its impact on trade are key issues that keep stakeholders up at night,” said Minister Thoko Didiza. She has pledged to work to ensure the country retains existing export markets.
She also says the department is working with relevant stakeholders to address deteriorating infrastructure across the country.