The Minister of Agriculture, Water and Forestry, Dr Nickey Iyambo this week announced that government will give drought aid. According to a press release drought aid south of the red line will be given in form of a 50% subsidy for the transport of animals to grazing. Farmers north of the red line will get a 50% subsidy for the transport of animals to the quarantine camps as well as the supply of water. The Minister also encouraged farmers to reduce their animals.
Applications for subsidies can be done at all extension offices. The subsidy is as follows: N$8,00 per km with a minimum of 17 cattle or 80 small stock per load. A farmer qualifies for a total of 120 cattle or 720 small stock or a combination of the two. The applications must be accompanied by the following documents:
·payment receipt on transport costs
·copy of departure register/arrival register
·veterinary movement permit if available
·copy of ID document
·Copy of Meat Board registration card
·Copy of lease agreement
The implementation date is August 1, 2007 until January 31, 2008.