He said small and emerging farmers would not remain small and emerging, but would be assisted to become commercial farmers and that his department would continue to assist people to get land for farming as well as settlement. "The more successful farmers we produce the better it is for food security and economic growth of our country. This, too, will generate employment for rural people and turn around the socioeconomic conditions in the rural areas where poverty is rife."

Regarding safety on farms, Nxesi said the department was in the process of introducing "a new cadre of youth" called Farm Rangers. They would be responsible to ensure compliance with land use regulations and to ensure the safety of infrastructure and livestock on farms. Nxesi appealed to rural communities to cooperate with the department and each other to ensure that the recapitalisation and development plan will succeed.

He urged rural communities to choose leaders who would serve their interests in the upcoming May local government elections.