Pretoria: The Department of Agriculture and Rural Development has urged livestock farmers in the North West, who are severely affected by the drought, to collect drought relief forms before the deadline for submission on Monday, 26 August.

North West Premier Thandi Modise and the National Disaster Management Centre declared the province as a drought-stricken area after the below average rainfall experienced since last year, which has had a very negative impact on livestock in all the regions of the province.

The forms can be collected from all the departmental offices throughout the province, as well as at the organised agriculture management and branches, and participating agricultural company branches such as Noord Wes Koporasie, Senwes, Suidwes, Obaro, and Montenegro.

Farmers will be shown how to complete the forms, while the Department’s Agricultural Extension officers will also be available to help.

Agriculture and Rural Development MEC, Desbo Mohono, said the drought relief process is extended to accommodate all livestock farmers in the province.

“It is expected that farmers may benefit according to the drought relief framework, which outlines how categories of farmers may be assisted,” she said.

Mohono said once the department receives the correctly completed forms, it will capture and assess the information to determine the extent of help needed.

For more information, livestock farmers are urged to contact Schalk Vorster on 018 389 5405, Dominic Morolo on 018 389 5333 and Matsinyane Phorotlho on 018 389 5341.