The National Minister of Agriculture and Land Affairs officially approved confirmation of the implementation of the drought relief scheme to the value of R9 million for farmers in the Western Cape yesterday. In effect this means that those farmers who have registered for assistance can immediately go to their co-ops to collect the fodder they are entitled to through the scheme. I want to encourage those farmers who have not applied for assistance, to do so immediately. I want to encourage emerging farmers who might be affected by the drought, in the identified areas, to register immediately.

The amount of R9 million to assist farmers who are affected by the drought was announced earlier this month. An amount of R1 million was made available for the drilling or re-opening of boreholes, which left R8 million for the provision of aid in the form of fodder and the transportation of fodder to effected farmers.

I am glad to announce the effective implementation of the scheme at an earlier stage than expected, amidst the reports of heavy rainfall in certain areas in the Province, which could leave us with a new challenge once the extent of damage to agricultural activities were established.

ENQUIRIES: ALIE VAN JAARSVELD - 084 604 6071