Government has successfully implemented its national greening programme and has in the past three years reached and exceeded its million-trees-a year target.
The target was meant to be met collectively by municipalities, the private sector, non-government organisations and other civil bodies with the government providing a co-coordinating and leadership role.
In the 2007/8 period, 1 700 000 trees were planted, while in the 2008/9 period, 1 300 000 trees were planted and in the 2009/10 period, 1 277 805 trees were planted.
Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Minister Tina Joemat-Pettersson revealed this in a written response to a question posed by the Congress of the People (Cope) in the National Assembly.
She said that since its inception, the programme had succeeded in planting over four million trees, 40 percent of them being fruit trees and that had mostly been done in the poorer parts of the country.
The minister thanked important partnerships forged with organisations such as Total SA, the SABC, Food and Trees Africa, Lovelife, Proudly South Africa, among others.
In the past three years, the programme had created legacy recreational parks namely Batlharos, Sarafina, Phahameng location and Orange Farm in the Gasegonyana, Tlokwe, Mangaung and Johannesburg municipal areas respectively.
“Trees in general are important for the well-being of, in particular, rural people. Fruit and leaves provide nutrients and are used every day in households.
“They also provide vitamins and sometimes proteins that are not always found in other crops. Diets in these areas are dominated by cereal crops that are mainly rich in starch. Therefore fruits are needed to keep a balanced and healthy nutrition.
“Fruit trees are multi purpose, they help clean the air, reduce heat, provide nutrition, and support good mental health and well-being.
“For these benefits to happen, fruit trees must be planted strategically, guided by careful planning and leadership. At the same time, the ongoing survival of these trees is dependent on support from local government structures, engaged residents and ability to curb attack by pests and diseases,” the minister said. – Francis Hweshe, BuaNews
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