Question NW1148 to the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and FisheriesQUESTION
21 May 2018 - NW1148
Kruger, Mr HC to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and FisheriesQUESTION
With regard to assistance provided by the department to farmers in the Dr. J.S. Moroka Local Municipality and Thembisile Hani Local Municipality, what total amount of hectares in each case (a) are considered plant ready and (b) have been (i) planted, (ii) ploughed and (iii) harvested over the past three financial years?
Reply:
(a) Total amount of hectares considered plant ready
During 2017/18 financial year, a total of 2 693. 77ha were ploughed and planted in both the Local Municipalities broken down as follows: - Dr. J.S. Moroka (1 032. 7ha) and Thembisile Hani (1 661.07) Local Municipalities. In the current financial year, 2018/19, only 3 ha were cultivated in Thembisile Hani Local Municipality and ready to be planted.
(b) Total amount of hectares that have been;
(i) Planted over the past three (3) financial years: 2015/16; 2016/17 and 2017/18
The total hectares planted in the past three years in Dr. J.S. Moroka Local Municipality amounted to 3 231.92ha and for Thembisile Hani Local Municipality 3 561.96ha. These amount to a total of 6 793.88. Maize is the main crop grown in these two Local Municipalities.
(ii) Ploughed over the past three (3) financial years: 2015/16; 2016/17 and 2017/18
The total hectares ploughed in the past three years is the same for both in Dr. J.S. Moroka Local Municipality and Thembisile Hani Local Municipality which are:- 3 231.92ha and 3 561,96 respectively, amounting to 6 793.88 in total.
(iii) Harvested over the past three (3) financial years: 2015/16; 2016/17 and 2017/18
The average yield in these two Local Municipalities is estimated at 2.6 ton/ha. However, during 2015/16 financial year, the Province experienced severe drought conditions and this has resulted in significant yield reduction.
During 2015/16 and 2016/17 financial years a total of 1 576.964 tons were harvested. The total tonnage harvested from the Local Municipalities is as follow:-
- Dr. J.S. Moroka 845.853 ton
- Thembisile Hani is 731.111 ton
Harvesting for maize planted during 2017/18 financial year, will only commence in May / June 2018.