Polokwane — Drought-stricken livestock farmers in Limpopo will receive emergency feed worth R45 million between December and March.

The province has set up a Disaster Drought Assistance Scheme for stock farmers who are struggling to feed their animals after rainfall levels dropped by between 70 and 90 percent in some areas during the 2006/7 season.

"The department approached national government for help and we have been promised R45 million to help the farmers who are affected," said provincial agriculture spokesperson Segoati Mahlangu. "The farmers are not going to be given money, but they will be provided with stock feed that is going to be delivered to their farms."

He said grazing land had deteriorated significantly as a result of both low rainfall in 2006/7 and hot weather conditions. This had forced stock farmers to buy food for their animals. He said many animals would die as farmers ran out of money to feed them. He urged affected farmers to apply for relief before the end of November. Application forms are available from local extension officers who are based in the department's district offices, or at the department's head office in Polokwane. "Animal health staff will then visit the farms to verify the number of animals in need and assess existing grazing conditions," Mr Mahlangu said.

He said the drought assistance will be available from 1 December to 31 March next year. "If there is adequate rainfall this summer that enables the natural grazing land to recover, the area will then be delisted as a designated disaster area," he said. If the drought conditions persist, additional funding would have to be sourced, he explained.