R26m for N Cape drought relief
Edwin Tshivhidzo
13 January 2005
Northern Cape farmers in drought-stricken regions are to benefit from a R26-million drought relief scheme recently approved by Agriculture Minister Thoko Didiza.
Parts of the province have been experiencing drought since 2002.
Towns that have been declared drought-stricken include Williston, Frazerburg, Sutherland, Kenhardt, Calvinia, Upington, Richtersveld and all farms north of Kuruman.
So far, over 2 840 communal and commercial farmers have registered for the scheme, that will run until the end of March 2005. Affected farmers should apply for assistance at the provincial agriculture department.
Provincial Agriculture spokesperson Thabo Mothibi said the funds would be used mainly for purchasing and transporting fodder and drilling/repairing boreholes to allow commercial and communal farmers to maintain their flocks.
The 2004/5 scheme will also allow emerging farmers to make a contribution of 10% towards the purchase of
fodder for less than 30 livestock units.
Didiza's approval comes after a series of assessment exercises by both the national and provincial departments of agriculture in consultation with affected farmers, farmer unions and other stakeholders over a period of three months.
Awareness has also been raised around the carrying capacity of farms, to encourage farmers to keep within their recommended carrying capacities.
Further means of drought relief are being investigated by the province's disaster management team.
Source: BuaNews
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