MEC Nakedi Kekana hosted six Regional Ministers from Ghana on a study tour focused on agriculture and rural development. The visit included farm visits in Groblersdal, one of South Africa's key irrigation hubs.
At the welcome ceremony, MEC Kekana positioned Limpopo as South Africa's main fresh produce region, noting its role in citrus and subtropical fruit production. "We see ourselves not just as the food basket of our country but also as an emerging food basket for the African continent," she said.
Limpopo's Agricultural Development Zones highlight citrus and subtropical fruits in Mopani and Vhembe, baby vegetables in Nwanedi, and table grapes in Groblersdal. The irrigation schemes in Groblersdal, supported by the Loskop Dam, allow for consistent production of citrus, table grapes, vegetables, and peaches in a semi-arid climate.
The province accounts for 42% of South Africa's citrus, 61% of avocados, 86% of mangoes, and 29% of macadamia nuts, confirming its role as a major fresh produce supplier to national and export markets.
Over the four-day visit, the Ghanaian delegation will tour both commercial and small-scale farms across the Mopani and Sekhukhune districts. The programme will provide an opportunity to observe cultivation and irrigation systems in citrus, subtropical fruit, baby vegetables, and grapes.
MEC Kekana underlined the importance of regional collaboration in building food security and market access. "Your presence here is testimony to the importance of building and deepening bilateral relations, where we can learn from one another, share knowledge and unlock opportunities that benefit our farmers, our economies and our people," she said.
The visit aims to strengthen agricultural cooperation between South Africa and Ghana while highlighting Limpopo's role in fresh produce production for both domestic and export markets.
Source: African Farming