10 Aug 2016

Small scale farmers are provided with free fertilizer to cover a maximum of 5ha, while emerging and commercial farmers are assisted with 30  and 35 per cent subsidy on the cost of fertilizer up to a maximum of 150ha and 500ha respectively.
The Assistant Minister of Agriculture Mr Kgotla Autlwetse said his ministry through the Rural Training Centres ran short courses on soil fertility and use of fertilizers especially for small scale farmers across the country.
He said extension workers and subject matter specialists also conduct demonstrations and farm walks on the use of fertilizer which culminates in field and harvest days.
Mr Autlwetse said his ministry has spent P86 million on fertilizers through the Integrated Support Programme for Arable Agriculture Development (ISPAAD).
He said P30million was spent on 4 404 tons of fertilizer supplied by tendering and P55 million was spent on 8362.12 tons supplied through coupons.
The assistant minister said 23 389 farmers (11 252 males and 12 137 females) have been issued with 12 766.12 tons of fertilizer under ISPAAD during the 2015/16 cropping season.
To promote effective use of fertilizers, the ministry of agriculture plans to give priority to the farmers with soil test results to avoid blanket application of fertilizer during the 2016/17 cropping season.
Mr Autlwetse said fertilizer will be issued as per soil nutrient requirements.
The Department of Agriculture Research in Sebele is ready to help farmers with soil testing, however, Mr Autlwetse said farmers who would not be able to do soil testing will be issued with fertilizers.
Takatokwane MP Mr Ngaka Ngaka had asked the minister to state measures put in place to encourage farmers under ISPAAD to use fertilizers supplied by government.
He further wanted to know the total amount spent on fertilizers in 2015 and the number of farmers who used fertilizers supplied by government.
The MP also wanted the minister to state the future plans regarding supply of fertilizers under ISPAAD . ENDS