Very dry conditions with high temperatures have been reported since the beginning of the year in some parts of the country, affecting crop production in some parts of the Free State, KwaZulu-Natal, North West and Mpumalanga up to date. These conditions have mostly affected rain-fed farmers than those farming under irrigation. The department continues to monitor conditions in the provinces and issue updated advisory information to the sector. While crops have been adversely affected and the veld deteriorated, livestock remains in reasonable to good condition.
The National Agrometeorological Committee (NAC) chaired by the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF) meets quarterly to plan for the season ahead for disaster risk reduction. In a meeting in September 2014, the committee reviewed the 2014 winter season and discussed the 2014/15 seasonal climate watch as issued by the South African Weather Service. The climate watch indicated uncertain conditions in terms of rainfall. As a result, the NAC issued an advisory for farmers to consider short season, locally adapted cultivars. In addition, some long-term strategies which were emphasised in this meeting, among others, were aims to ensure that water conservation strategies are implemented by the farming community. Heat stress coping strategies were also emphasised.
In January 2015, the seasonal climate watch suggested uncertain conditions in terms of rainfall and temperatures. Farmers were advised to plan their activities in accordance with the weather conditions that usually occur at that time of the year in their areas. The February seasonal climate watch for March to May 2015 also indicates uncertain conditions. In this regard, farmers are still urged to follow the similar advice as in January, but they are also reminded to consider coping strategies for heat stress and implement conservation of resources including water in accordance with the Conservation of Agricultural Resources Act (Act No. 43 of 1983). The farming community is further encouraged to continually check the seasonal forecasts and utilise the seven day forecasts for short term planning.
Livestock should continually be kept in line with carrying capacity of the veld and additional feed including licks should be made available to give livestock sufficient nutrition. Most importantly, farmers should continue to follow the vaccine routine and consult with the local veterinarian.
Farmers could take the following additional measures during drought:
- Accelerate rotational grazing
- Identify and use areas that were not grazed/grazed less intensively last year
- Wean calves in over-used areas
- Provide plenty of drinking points
- Wet with sprinklers or hose
- Provide feed during the coolest part of the day, especially to poultry
- Avoid handling animals during periods of high temperatures (typically between 12h00 and 16h00 in mid to late summer)
Speaking at the 2015 Grain SA Congress in Bothaville, Free State on 4 March 2015, Minister Senzeni Zokwana expressed concern over the impact of drought on food production. “The scale of the drought and its impact will change quite a few of our priorities. I am concerned that this drought will also impact on our ability to produce next season. This is a disaster for the whole sector, not just the farmers. My department will convene a group of experts to put together some action plans to overcome this challenge. We all need to get together to find solutions as a country in order to overcome this challenge.”
It is very important and mandatory for farming communities to always implement disaster risk measures and maintain good farming practices.
An Emergency National Drought Task Team Meeting has been scheduled for mid-March 2015 to discuss the drought conditions in the affected parts of the country and other drought risk management related matters within the sector.
For media enquiries and further information please contact:
Ms Makenosi Maroo
Chief Director: Stakeholder Relations and Communications
Tel: 012 319 6787
Cell: 072 475 2956
E-mail: MakenosiM@daff.gov.za
