Around 3,300 acres of long-neglected land in Kantale were officially handed over to 1,152 farming families today.

According to Deputy Foreign Minister Arun Hemachandra, these distributed lands were once part of the old sugar factory in the area. 

Deputy Minister Hemachandra further said that the lands have been distributed for the cultivation of maize.

“I was honoured to be part of an important moment in Kantale today. These lands, once part of the old sugar factory, are now set to come alive again, this time with maize fields that will help feed our country and strengthen our economy,” he said, in a statement on social media. (Newswire) 

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THIS past week, we celebrated International Women’s Day in South Africa and the world. As we reflect on the historical day, we are also obligated to revisit our commitment as South Africans to the emancipation of women in our country, particularly rural women.

Rural women in South Africa continue to bear the brunt of triple oppression due to their race, class, and gender; hence, it is not a coincidence that in their majority they have not managed to achieve economic freedom.

This situation is no different from the realities of many women in the Global South, and one country in particular that is also confronted with this circumstance is India. The patriarchal norms in India have hindered women’s progress in the country, but a lot is seemingly being done by the Indian government to effect change.

One such programme is “The Drone Didi Initiative” for rural women, which can be used as a yardstick in South Africa to resolve the challenge of gender-based inequality in rural communities, solve food security challenges, alleviate poverty, and create jobs.

The India program to provide women with agricultural  drones, launched in 2019, provides women with practical, technology-driven skills with the intention of creating immediate income-generating opportunities and resolving other imminent socioeconomic challenges.

According to reports, the initial number of rural women who were trained to deploy the drones was 500, with 200 drones deployed. Today: “Over 5 000 women are part of the program, with 1 500 drones in operation.”

In rural provinces across South Africa, rural women are often the backbone of agricultural activities but remain under-represented. Adopting a similar initiative could empower these women, enabling them to contribute more effectively to the development of their own lives, families, communities, and the country.

Currently, the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) and the United Nations Food Program (UNFP) affirm that technology and innovation are key enablers to save and change lives around the world. To that end, drones enable precision agriculture, improving crop health and yields.

In India, the Drone Didi initiative has led to a 25% increase in crop yields and a 30% reduction in pesticide use. In South Africa, smallholder farmers still struggle to compete. By equipping rural women with drones, South Africa could be a game changer.

For example, rural areas in South Africa, such as KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape, pose significant logistical challenges due to their difficult terrain.  Drones can be particularly useful in these areas, enabling farmers to monitor and manage their crops more efficiently and safely.

Equally, drones can facilitate the transportation of harvested crops from remote areas to local markets, reducing costs and increasing accessibility.

To that end, the India Drone Didi initiative demonstrates how technology can create economic opportunities in underserviced regions. In India, women are earning significant incomes, with an average increase of 50% in their household income.

According to a recent report by McKinsey Global Institute titled, ‘Dependency and depopulation? Confronting the consequences of a new demographic reality’, India, which has the largest population in the world, has the potential to become the second largest economy per purchasing power parity by 2050 if the country aggressively pushes women to participate in the mainstream economy.

As BRICS members, India and South Africa can collaborate on agricultural innovation. India’s success with drone Didi can serve as a case study, offering insights into implementation and scaling up.

Furthermore, local institutions such as the Agricultural Research Council (ARC), Innovation Hub, and Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) can play a crucial role in shaping rural women farm worker cooperatives using drone technology and scaling operations.

Moreover, this initiative can foster social change by challenging patriarchal norms, promoting gender equality, and also uplifting households. As more women get empowered, the entire family stands to benefit.

Drones can also be beneficial for pregnant women and new mothers in rural areas as they reduce the need for physical labour. Drones can help these women maintain their farms while ensuring their health and well-being are being taken care of.

For South Africa, this initiative represents a unique opportunity to transform rural communities, empower women, and modernise agriculture. By embracing this initiative and leveraging local expertise, South Africa can unlock a brighter future for its rural women and communities. (The Guardian)

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Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Lands, and Irrigation K.D. Lal Kantha says he was offered bribes by importers of Maize.

Addressing an event, Minister Lal Kantha said some individuals had met him in the last four months, requesting to allow the importation of maize.

“Within these last four months, some people came to meet me. They requested that I allow the importation of maize. They said they will pay me such and such amounts,” he revealed.

Minister Lal Kantha said the government has proven it has completely rid corruption from politics.

He further said that, however, corruption was rife in the public services, adding, “Once that is also addressed, our work is done. Close.” (Newswire)

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A Gazette notification has been issued increasing the special commodity levy imposed for the importation of maize, black gram, green gram, cowpeas, and kurakkan. 

The decision taken on the recommendation of the Ministry of Agriculture is effective from Tuesday, February 20, 2024, until December 31, 2024.

Accordingly, the special commodity levy imposed on black gram, green gram and cowpeas has been increased to Rs. 300 per kilo, while it has been increased to Rs. 25 per kilo for maize. (NewsWire)

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The Cabinet of Ministers has approved proposals to import maize, eggs, and rice similar to ‘Keeri Samba’. 

Accordingly, approval has been granted to import 15,000 Metric Tons of Maize through the State Trading Corporation. 

The importation is being done to fulfil the requirements for poultry feed production.

Meanwhile, approval has also been granted to import 50,000 Metric Tons of GR11 rice variety, which is similar to ‘Keeri Samba’.

The rice will be imported through the private sector to promote competition in the increase of rice prices.

Furthermore, approval was also granted for the import of eggs from Indian farms recommended by the Department of Animal Production and Health for the stabilization of egg prices in the local market.

The Sri Lanka State Trading (General) Corporation has imported 155 million eggs as of now, while necessary measures have been taken to import another 18 million eggs before December 31, 2023. (NewsWire)

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The import tax imposed on maize has been revised, State Minister of Finance Ranjith Siyambalapitiya said on Friday (Aug. 18).

According to the State Minister, the import tax of Rs. 75 on 1 kilogram of maize was reduced to Rs. 25 from last night.

State Minister Siyambalapitiya said that the measure was taken with the aim of reducing the price of animal feed produced using maize. (NewsWire)

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