Dr. Musibudi Mangena launched Agro-Food-Technology Station in Limpopo

A new exciting project that will enhance and change the life of entrepreneurs who produces agricultural product was launched in <?xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" />Limpopo this week by the Minister of Science and Technology Dr. Musibudi Mangena. University of Limpopo was selected by the Minister to be the home of this Agro-Foot-technology Station. According to the Minister this is the first traditional University to host such an exciting Technology station. The vice Chancellor of the University of Limpopo professor Mahlo Mokgalong says as a University they are very happy to have such a project. “Gone are the days where Universities were doing things without realizing and recognizing what is going on at the communities around them” said Prof Mokgalong.

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“My department realizes that effective technology diffusion and solutions can best be achieved in partnership with higher institutions which through research and development generate knowledge and a wide variety of technologies. We have developed programmes that support technology transfer and diffusion to small businesses and one of them is Tshumisano Technology Station Programme” said Dr. Musibudi Mangena.

Minister also highlighted that the programme started in 2001 with only three technology stations and now they have 12 fully operational stations spread through seven provinces, and they are also working on establishing technology stations on the remaining provinces. According to him the main purpose of the stations is to improve the competitiveness and innovation capacity of small businesses in specific sectors like the one of Agricultural food in Limpopo.

The Limpopo Agro-Food technology station offer a wide range of scientific services to the SME’s, agricultural co-operatives and food industries in developing, enhancing and maintaining a safe, efficient and cost-effective food production.