Another problem we have is the mindset of punishing people who make a — Christian de Graaff

"If someone is doing well and wants more land to farm, people will say, he already has enough land."

"Farmers should consider diversifying their produce. As you produce you should understand that you are part of the value chain therefore you should consider producing more than grain, but also produce stock feed for the livestock industry. You could also do this by utilizing your failed crops and crop residues before they lose their nutritive content."

"The argument is that this will widen the financing base of your choices and, in turn, enable further development of the agricultural sub sector. Your views are very important and, therefore, my ministry has started discussions with the relevant authorities within government to explore the feasibilities."

"Yet farmers are not willing to part with land. For instance, in Pitsane at the Barolong Farms, only about half of the 30 000 hacters of farmland is being successfully used, yet most farmers are not willing to sell or lease the land to commercial farmers."

"But most land, even designated as commercial land is underused and those who are productive should be allowed to acquire as much more as possible so we can extend their success."

"As a result of this, I do not consider it appropriate to discuss matters relating to BMC with the media."