"Do not plough on the mountain"

MEC Magadze said this after seeing people ploughing on top of hills at Tshakhuma, Tsianda and Lwamondo villages. It came after she had launched a Land Care Programme, in order for the communities to learn about and develop their land.

Magadze further said the overall objective of the Land Care programme is to optimise productivity and sustainability of resources, and this bring about greater productivity, food security, job creation and a better quality of life for all.

She also expressed the hope that the Lwatshatsimu Land Care Project will encourage the people to stop ploughing on top of the hills. The project is directed at Tshakhuma, Lwomondo and Tsianda and aims to rehabilitate and implement a sustainable agricultural production plan in part of a catchment area.

These include the use of conservation farming methods, the planting of a variety of crops, capacitating farmers with knowledge and skills and providing incentives for good practices. The project runs over a five-year cycle, from 2000 to present, with a budget of R1,24 million.

News - Date: 29 April 2005

Godfrey Mandiwana

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