An estimated R37,2 million for fodders supply is needed to mitigate the effects of drought for livestock in the North West province, the Provincial Executive Council (Exco) endorsed support for mobilisation of dedicated funding for emergency relief on Wednesday.
The Provincial Department of Agriculture and Rural Development has identified the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, the National Disaster Management Centre and National Treasury as possible funders.
Exco applauded the extend of immediate intervention by the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development to mitigate drought through provision of emergency fodder to 6 553 farmers in Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati and Ngaka Modiri Molema Districts.
One thousand three hundred and forty-two tons of fodder was distributed across 43 villages within the two districts at the cost of R7.2 million during the 3rd quarter of the past financial year.
The districts were the hardest hit as the province has experienced below normal rainfall for the past twelve months with nine dam levels ranging from moderately dry to extremely dry.
Extremely hot temperatures are forecasted during autumn, which will aggravate the drought conditions currently experienced in the province, the effects of which will be predominant during winter and spring.
Enquiries:
Lesiba Moses Kgwele, Spokesperson
Tel: 018 388 3705
Cell: 083 629 1987
Fax: 018 388 3157
E-mail: LKgwele@gmail.com
