The Northern Cape Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development has availed about half a million rand for the transportation of fodder to the drought stricken areas in the province.
This after Free State Province and Grain SA salvaged the drought affected farmers by providing them with maize. The assistance by both Free State and Grain SA came in handy for our farmers and the department took care of transporting the maize to the affected areas.
Currently, farmers in the winter rainfall areas are suffering from the effects of drought and are in a dire need of assistance.
Relatively late rains and fairly short rainfall season in the late summer rainfall areas coupled with a lack of follow up rains led to a gradual deterioration in veld conditions. This occurred especially between the months of May and June of 2017. (Source: South African Weather Services)
The vegetation conditions for the Western part of the Province as well as the winter rain areas are critical and better that an average will be required before the end of August to alleviate the situation.
All the affected areas are encouraged and advised to continue practising precautionary measure where possible - In the event where El Nino does occur and has its usual impact of drier summer rainfall conditions. (Source: South African Weather Service)
Enquiries: Phemelo Manankong – External Communications Officer: Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development.
Tel: 053 802 5622
Cell 071 889 5112