The platform is designed to connect farmers with resources, services, and buyers in a streamlined manner, harnessing digital innovation to enhance food security and sustainability.
“We are here today not just to launch a platform but to launch a vision for the future of agriculture,” Ramasodi said, highlighting the significance of the platform in the context of the National Development Plan, the Agriculture and Agro-processing Master Plan, and Africa’s Agenda 2063.
“Agriculture is not a quick fix; it requires patience, as crops take time to grow. [The difficulty of farming is] a reflection of the resilience and dedication of our farmers,” he said.
Ramasodi emphasised the crucial role that technology and innovation will play in shaping the future of agriculture.
Ramasodi also highlighted the agriculture sector’s importance in ensuring the well-being of communities and economies, not only in South Africa, but across the continent.
He went on to discuss the pressing issues of food security and food safety, both of which are at the heart of the department’s efforts to modernise the sector.
“Ensuring that food is accessible, affordable, and safe for consumption is our primary focus,” Ramasodi said.
“Food that isn’t safe isn’t food, and our commitment to food safety is paramount.”
The Agrimall platform is aimed at tackling the challenges facing farmers by providing a centralised hub for information, services, and connections. It includes features that allow producers to monitor crop conditions, access financial services, and even find buyers for their produce.
According to Ramasodi, the platform will help level the playing field, especially for small-scale farmers who often struggle with limited access to resources.
“Digital platforms like Agrimall are part of the solution to modernising agriculture and addressing the economic challenges we face today,” Ramasodi said, adding that the platform aligns with both national and global frameworks such as the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.
Ramasodi reiterated the importance of digital transformation in agriculture, particularly in the face of climate change and growing global demand for food.
“The challenges are immense, but the opportunities are even greater,” he remarked, calling on all stakeholders to embrace technology and innovation as tools to build a sustainable future for agriculture.