The government will in the 2025/2026 financial year expand the area of land under indigenous forest cover, promote tree planting to support soil conservation, and enhance water catchment areas.
Finance and development planning minister, Dr Retṧelisitsoe Matlanyane says this initiative is aimed at promoting sustainable use of the country’s forest resources.
In her budget speech in Parliament on Wednesday, Matlanyane said the government will support the establishment of orchards, apiaries, and forest-related cottage industries, thereby enhancing rural livelihoods.
This is built on proven successes in using forestry to improve livelihoods, she noted.
She revealed that in the 2024/25 financial year, the government invested over M1.5 million in purchasing fruit trees from local farmers, boosting local agriculture and supporting community growth.
Additionally, small- scale farmers trained in apiculture generated M67,800 in honey sales, while M45,270 was collected from wood sales.
“These funds will be reinvested in purchasing forest trees from private nurseries and employing local labour for planting and nurturing these trees, ensuring a sustainable cycle of economic and environmental benefits,” Matlanyane added.
