The North West Department of Agriculture and Rural Development has launched a coffee bean production project in collaboration with the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TIKA) to diversify and expand the agricultural sector.
The project was launched at the Kgora Farmer Training Centre near Ramatlabama in Mahikeng on Monday.
Among its key focus areas will be coffee cultivation, processing and the creation of new economic opportunities for emerging farmers in the province.
The department’s MEC, Madoda Sambatha, is confident that the new development will inspire growth and promote skills transfer.
“This project marks an important step towards diversifying agriculture in the North West. Through our partnership with TIKA, we are introducing a new commodity that has the potential to create jobs, support farmers and open new market opportunities. We appreciate TIKA’s support in helping us establish this project,” said Sambatha.
He also indicated that there are plans to expand the project to other districts in the province to increase participation in the coffee market.
The project forms part of the department’s efforts to promote development, create employment opportunities and build a more inclusive and sustainable agricultural sector.
Furthermore, TIKA has assured beneficiaries that additional technical support will be provided, alongside the coffee trees and processing equipment handed over during the launch.
