CLOSE to a billion dollars is expected to find its way to the farmers.
They expect to auction 160 million kg of the golden leaf.
It is hoped that merchants will this season pay farmers fair prices.
Farmers are expecting earnings that will not only enable them to go back to the fields but make significant investments.
They do not just want to go back to the fields.
Many are interested in diversification.
Some want to do horticulture and others dairy production.
We have been producing tobacco for some time now and our farmers have gained enough experience to guarantee them a high quality crop.
It is time their labour pays off in a big way.
And I call on the farmers to use their earnings wisely.
Farming is a business and must be treated as such.
Let us this season not have those sad stories of past seasons.
Our farmers must now be wiser.
Do not fall prey to criminals bent on dispossessing you of your hard-earned cash.
Seasoned farmers of the golden-leaf have already purchased vehicles and built homes.
And now instead of getting another vehicle, why not go for a tractor or a combine harvester.
It is time our producers take full and firm control of their farming operations.
This they can achieve by heavily investing in the sector.
Imagine the value that will be added to the agricultural sector if we substitute car imports with farm-implements.
The face of our agriculture will become brighter; it will be significantly transformed with the adoption of the latest production technologies.
To promote sustainable growth of the agricultural sector, Government must consider rebates and tax breaks for farmers importing equipment.
Government should be pro-active and not wait for individuals to come forth with requests for rebates.
Let us use our land as the basis for the creation of long-lasting wealth.
Let our sweat today benefit our great-grand children.
As a country we have thrived on agriculture and the challenges in the sector have hamstrung economic development.
Investment in the sector will accelerate our efforts to turn around our economy.
It is an open secret that we have remained afloat in difficult times because despite the numerous challenges we are facing we have never failed to produce from the soil.
We are an intelligent people, highly educated; it is time that those of us who will get favourable returns take advantage of available opportunities that can further improve our lives.
We can take advantage of the rand that is currently not doing so well against the US dollar.
Let us not make South Africa just a source of goodies, let us procure implements from the country.
Beyond doubt latest technologies and machinery would boost output levels.
We can begin to set-up irrigation infrastructure on our own and not wait for Government to do it for us.
Now we know for a fact that we cannot depend on the rains due to climate change.
We can do more and get better yields with the right tools at our disposal.
Climate change demands that we immediately come up with measures to ensure that the elements do not hold us to ransom.
Investing in agriculture will enable our producers to compete with their counterparts elsewhere in the region.