Farmers have been given until Friday next week to submit forms detailing the losses they suffered as a result of this year’s drought.Forms are collected and submitted to all rural environment and agricultural development department offices across the province.Department MEC Manketsi Tlhape said farmers in the province should use this opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to dialogue in order to assist the province to have a clear picture of the magnitude of the drought.Tlhape also called for farmers to be honest in their assessment so that all those who needed assistance could be helped.“We would appreciate it if farmers can give us a true picture of their respective situation so that we share on the little resources available. If we act honestly, the most deserving can be identified and help can come their way,” Tlhape said.The North West has been hit by frequent droughts in the recent past and authorities attribute this to the impact of climate change.An evaluation done by the department has revealed that the province is facing poor conditions in both crop and livestock commodities due to the sporadic rainfall accompanied by several heat waves experienced this year.In her address to farmers at a recent drought mitigation dialogue, MEC Tlhape said: “We have called you here so that we can have a fruitful discussion. If we are to deal with the current challenges in farming then we would need to work together”.She further highlighted that based on the presentations made at the dialogue session, there was a need for the department to compile a report for the attention of Premier Supra Mahumapelo that will allow him to declare a state of disaster in the province.“Once the report is compiled, it will be sent to the National Treasury to seek relief through the emergency relief grant,” Tlhape said.She said it was important the dialogue took place as it allowed the views of stakeholders in the agricultural sector to be taken into consideration.Premier Mahumapelo said it was important for all role players to work together to mitigate the drought.He pointed out that is was also key to involve the private sector and particularly support of insurance companies to farmers.“The reason we get insured is because of unforeseen circumstances. But when these circumstances happen we see some companies withdrawing from that responsibility,” Mahumapelo said.Mahumapelo emphasised the need for a dialogue between the insurance companies and those they have ensured. He said the level of confidence in investors should be boosted by the relationship of these companies and those they have insured.The premier challenged stakeholders to come up with innovative ways to deal with drought or minimise its effects.He said that government was ready to engage with all stakeholders in order to cushion the farming community from risks associated with the sector.

Source - http://www.thenewage.co.za/