Democratic Alliance DA leader and Minister of Agriculture John Steenhuisen says he is confident that the budget that is set to be tabled on May 21, will tackle some challenges faced by farmers.
Speaking at the 142nd Bloem Show Carnival in Bloemfontein, Steenhuisen says the country has been struggling with foot-and-mouth disease which has negatively affected livestock farmers.
He alluded that his ministry plans on helping subsistence farmers to become commercial and acquire financing.
Steenhuisen has encouraged the government to cut on unnecessary expenditure.
So, Im relatively comfortable with the budget as weve seen so far. Obviously, like any other department, weve got to look at saving money and cutting costs. So, cutting out on things like dinners and the like. And focusing on the core functions of the department, says Steenhuisen.