Eastern Cape Invests R19.5m to Revive Irrigation and Boost Agriculture

Kontsiwe Launches R19.5m Irrigation Programme to Revive Eastern Cape Farming

The Eastern Cape government has launched a multi-million-rand irrigation revitalisation programme aimed at boosting agricultural production, creating jobs and tackling poverty across the province.

Eastern Cape MEC for Agriculture Nonceba Kontsiwe officially launched the programme on Tuesday, 27 January 2026, at the Zanyokhwe Irrigation Scheme, confirming that more than R19.5 million is being invested in irrigation schemes province-wide.

Supporting production and livelihoods

Addressing farmers, government officials and private-sector partners at the launch, Kontsiwe said the revitalisation of irrigation schemes is intended to support vegetable, grain and fodder production while improving livelihoods in rural communities.

The department will provide equipment and machinery covering a total of 1 528 hectares of land as part of the initial phase.

“The purpose is to fight poverty in the province of the Eastern Cape. We have taken a decision as the government to revive the irrigation schemes in the province and this (Zanyokhwe) is one of them,” Kontsiwe said.

She added that the province has set an ambitious long-term target. “In total we are going to revive 10 000 hectares in irrigation schemes across the province in different district municipalities in the next five years.”

Job creation and economic growth

According to the MEC, the programme is not only about farming infrastructure but also about transforming how land is worked and strengthening the provincial economy.

“We want to fight poverty; we want to create job opportunities and introduce new ways of working the land. We want to also boost the economy of the province and the economic muscle of the farmers,” she said.

Responding to questions on whether the targets are achievable, Kontsiwe said existing success stories in the province demonstrate that the plan is realistic.

“It is realistic in the sense that we have seen the outputs of some farmers that have been working. They have already reached the market space, they are selling their produce even beyond the province, with one farmer selling vegetables in Lesotho,” she said.

She emphasised that success would depend on commitment from farmers, cooperation between government departments and strong partnerships with the private sector.

Farmers welcome investment

Speaking on behalf of irrigation schemes in the province, Zanyokhwe board chairperson Dr Litha Matiwane said farmers were excited about the programme and grateful for government support.

He said irrigation systems, including centre pivots and sprinkler systems, have been installed at various schemes, along with tractors and agricultural implements to improve productivity.

Matiwane also highlighted specific improvements at Zanyokhwe, noting that the scheme’s potato washer had been repaired by the department and was now operational.

Looking ahead, he said the scheme plans to expand production by focusing on citrus farming on 300 hectares of land. He added that the scheme already has the necessary water rights in place to support the expansion.

Private sector partnerships emphasised

The importance of public-private partnerships was echoed by Old Mutual Regional Director Noxolo Qika, who stressed that government initiatives are more sustainable when the private sector is actively involved.

“The private sector is essential in sustaining government initiatives. When the MEC is introducing programmes to develop people, we will work together,” Qika said.

Kontsiwe said collaboration between government, communities and private partners is a central pillar of the revitalisation programme.

District-by-district investment

The Department of Agriculture confirmed that the irrigation investment will be rolled out across several districts:

• Amathole District: 613 hectares to be developed with an investment of R5 million

• Chris Hani District: 700 hectares to be developed with an investment of R6 million

• OR Tambo District: 215 hectares to be developed with an investment of R3.5 million

In addition, the department’s implementing agency, the Eastern Cape Rural Development Agency (ECRDA), has been allocated R5 million. The funding will support commercialisation, market access, new production technologies, technical support and production finance facilities for farmers.

Broader goals

According to the MEC, the programme is expected to deliver multiple long-term benefits, including increased agricultural productivity and food supply, improved skills in sustainable farming practices, stronger community collaboration and heightened awareness of food security challenges.

She said the initiative also aims to strengthen partnerships between government, the private sector and farming communities, while showcasing the Eastern Cape’s commitment to agricultural revitalisation and farmer support.