Minister gives update on drought relief
Agriculture Minister Senzeni Zokwana says in the worst case scenario, South Africa would need to import between five and six million tonnes of maize to boost the country's food security.
Zokwana's been briefing the media in Pretoria, following drought and grain import meetings with stakeholders in the sector.
KwaZulu-Natal is amongst five provinces currently experiencing severe drought.
Zokwana says government has re-prioritised R305-million for drought relief.
"National conditions are generally poor in the maize triangle. That is Mpumalanga, Free State and North West. With Mpumalanga showing optimism on maize conditions, there is average to above average in the Eastern part.
"But the West is showing very poor conditions. There is also concern for the animal industry due to poor veld conditions. Follow-up rain is therefore needed to sustain better maize conditions in the East," he said.
(File photo: Gallo Images)