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Department: AgricultureThe good summer rains have created favourable conditions, and the crop is expected to produce between 2 to 3 Tons/Ha. Approximately 60 000 broiler chicks and 16 000 tons of feed for Alfred Nzo, Amathole, Chris Hani, Joe Gqabi, OR Tambo and Sarah Baartman. In strict adherence to the legal mandates articulated in Land Use Acts 43 of 1983 and Act 70 of 1970, the department remains committed to advancing and executing sustainable methodologies for agricultural resources. During the reporting period, 21 awareness campaigns and 34 capacitybuilding sessions were conducted to educate farming communities on sustainable land management against targets of 15 and 26, respectively. These efforts resulted in the successful rehabilitation of 7 776 hectares of land previously impacted by non-indigenous species, against a target of 2 164. To combat poverty in the province, DoA in the period under review, 69 agricultural infrastructure projects were completed, against 71 planned.. Further, 1 221 producers (Red Meat, Grain, Citrus, and other commodities) benefited from the provided infrastructure and services, against a target of 1 249, and 532 jobs were created, surpassing the planned 501 for this reporting period. The signing of contracts for mechanization services has been concluded. The department has finalized the appointment of Grain Development Partners for the Alfred Nzo, Amathole, Chris Hani, Joe Gqabi, and OR Tambo grain corridors. A total of 21 045.5 hectares have been planted for the production of field crops, against a target of 20 758.5 hectares. A total of 10 203 smallholder producers were supported with technical advisory services, against a target of 8 071. Additionally, to intensify its efforts to deliver essential production inputs (vegetable seeds and seedlings, fertilizer, poultry, and piggery) to vulnerable households/subsistence producers, the department supported a total of 23 817 households, against a target of 21 276. This intervention aims to allow these households to grow their balanced nutritional food. Veterinary services play a pivotal role in preserving the well-being of animals and upholding the safety of products originating from animals for human consumption. To date, a total of 1 248 431 animals have been vaccinated against controlled animal diseases according to the Animal Disease Act (Act 35 of 1984), exceeding the planned mid-year target of 1 150 194. To facilitate the export of animals and animal products, a total of 3 586 veterinary certificates were issued for export facilitation, surpassing the target of 3 480 for this period under review. A total of 36 research presentations were made at peer-reviewed events, while 30 research presentations were made at technology transfer events, against targets of 29 and 15, respectively. Furthermore, a total of 2 747 samples (soils, plants, feed, and water) were analyzed to support the decision-making of clients, exceeding the target of 2 200. The department has supported the growth of small and medium-sized enterprises in the agribusiness sector through various initiatives, including access to finance, market links, and technical training. This has led to increased productivity, job creation, and improved livelihoods for rural communities. The department has prioritized innovative agricultural practices and technologies to enhance efficiency and sustainability, including the development of climate-resilient crop varieties, precision farming techniques, and sustainable resource management. Furthermore, a total of 39 agribusinesses benefited from tailored advisory services designed to promote Black Economic Empowerment, facilitating their growth and inclusion in the sector, against a target of 37. Additionally, 326 clients were supported with production economic services, surpassing the mid-year target of 304 clients. Targeted training programs and support have been offered to empower farmers and agricultural institutions with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in a competitive environment. These programs focus on modern farming techniques, financial management, and market access strategies. 538