Agriculture department in N Cape provides relief to farmers

The Department of Agriculture in Northern Cape says it has been providing relief to the farmers who have been affected by drought. Lack of adequate rain and veld fires are some of the factors worsening the situation.

Emerging farmers in the Kalahari in the Northern Cape say the drought currently experienced in the area is hitting them hard.

The farmers say they are battling to buy food for their livestock.

Provincial Spokesperson for the Department of Agriculture, Stephen Galane, says they are monitoring the current drought conditions in the Boesmanland.

“Farmers have been encouraged to work closely with their farmers’ unions to ensure that accurate and comprehensive information, such as the number of affected farmers and livestock, is submitted to the department. This allows for timely processing of drought relief applications. So far, the current drought conditions have not reached the level required for a formal disaster declaration. The classification of a drought disaster involves a thorough assessment of multiple factors to determine its severity and magnitude,” says Galane.

VIDEO | Some farmers have lost 10% of their livestock because of the drought.