MEC for Rural Development and Agrarian Reform in the Eastern Cape, Nomakhosazana Meth handed over 349 tons of livestock feed to scores of farmers from the Amathole District.

The hand over which is part of the department’s drought relief and mitigation plan took place on Tuesday (January 7, 2020) at Bhisho Showgrounds.

A total of 1028 qualifying farmers from the district shared the 2400 bales of Lucerne and hay.

MEC Meth said this was the first step to greater things to come. “This isn’t the last time we are here. Another batch of feed worth around R15 million where each farmer is likely to walk away with at least six bales of Lucerne is being coordinated,” she said.

As far as the provision of water is concerned, MEC Meth said her office was finalising talks with the Buffalo City Metro on an initiative which would see a total of 21 stock dams desilted.

Chairperson for the Tyutyu Village Farmers’ Association, Mvuyisi Yoyo said they were pleased with the intervention and how promptly the Department of Rural Development and Agrarian Reform responded to their plight.

“A majority of us here are developing farmers who are also pensioners. We are really struggling to buy feed for our livestock, but with the little we received today we will be able to supplement our livestock while we make other plans on the side,” said Yoyo.
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