AGRI SA ASKS RAMAPHOSA TO DECLARE AGRI SECTOR AN ESSENTIAL SERVICE

Government is too slow to implement interventions regarding loadshedding and the negative effect it is having on the agri sector in South Africa. That’s the opinion of Agri SA’s executive director Christo van der Rheede after discussions with the department of agriculture.

Now Agri SA has pleaded with President Cyril Ramaphosa to declare the agriculture sector an essential service. Their main reason for this decision is the country’s power crisis and the detrimental effect it is having on the country’s economy, including the agri sector.

Not only are meat and dairy farmers being hit hard due to the lack of electricity, but farmers who need electricity to irrigate their crops are struggling to stay ahead of the game.

If the electricity cuts worsen or even just continue, the sector will soon be in dire need of intervention.

EWN reports that van der Rheede said the sector had fruitful discussions with the department of agriculture, but just talking about it is not enough.

“We cannot continue along this path. Too many promises were made but very few of those promises materialised.

“Obviously they should look at other tax measures just to prevent the sector from going bankrupt.”

Image credit: The Citizen