Since the drought state of disaster was announced on 4 March 2020, no assistance has been provided to farmers and, thus, the FF Plus welcomes the extension thereof. It is not to be confused with the national state of disaster that relates to the Covid-19 pandemic. In effect, South Africa is currently experiencing two separate national states of disaster.
In a written reply, the Department of Agriculture stated that approximately R139 million was approved for drought relief. It is, however, just a drop in the ocean seeing as there is an actual need of R1 billion due to the prolonged drought conditions.
It is lamentable that farmers did not receive relief in the first three months of the drought state of disaster because of what the Department describes as delays caused by the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic.
The FF Plus welcomes the government’s admission that farmers must be assisted during times of prolonged drought conditions.
The FF Plus is aware of some cases where the drought relief that was applied for and approved in 2013 was only paid out in 2018. For the sake of all the farmers in South Africa and food security, this must not happen.
If the government really is serious about agriculture, it must earmark more funds in the upcoming budget announcement of 24 June and after that, the money must be well spent.
South Africa cannot afford any more delays in government projects due to Covid-19.
Read the original article in Afrikaans by Tammy Breedt on FF Plus
South Africa Today – South Africa News
