SOUTHERN CAPE NEWS - The second round of the summer biannual veld assessment by the provincial government will take place during the first week of March in the Central Karoo, Garden Route and part of the Overberg District.

This follows R17.6 million in drought relief having been disbursed in February to over 1 500 farmers in the Western Cape.

Veld assessments are conducted to determine where drought relief is required and to inspect veld conditions to assess where drought relief efforts should be directed and to streamline the disaster response at district offices.

Western Cape MEC of Economic Opportunities, Minister Beverley Schäfer said in a press release: "The veld assessment, which we conduct in summer and winter each year, helps us to determine the state of grazing available to farmers in the province and where best to direct support.

"Following the assessment, we will be providing additional support to certain areas. Farmers I have met who have received drought aid, have all indicated the support has been instrumental in helping them continue to farm through the tough drought periods."

Several areas across the province are experiencing severe drought and now receive monthly drought support in the form of vouchers for animal fodder.

Since 2017 the province has issued R200 million in provincial and national disaster funding to support farmers through the drought.

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