28 Feb 2018

The Ministry of Agricultural Development and Food Security has no plans to introduce joint ownership of Agricultural Service Centre (ASC) by farmer cooperatives.

Assistant Minister of Agricultural Development and Food Security, Mr Kgotla Autlwetse told Parliament Tuesday that the ASC were normally advertised for renting out after construction so that individuals, groups, companies including cooperatives could show their interest to operate the facilities. He further noted that no cooperatives have been earmarked for renting the facilities and that the facilities would continue to be advertised through open tenders to the most competitive bidder.

Member of Parliament for Jwaneng-Mabutsane, Mr Shawn Ntlhaile had asked if there were plans to introduce joint ownership for Agricultural Service Centres by farmer’s cooperatives. He had also wanted to know which cooperatives were earmarked for such arrangements and when it will be implemented.ENDS