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Calls for government to declare drought a state of emergency

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Some Members of Parliament are calling on government to immediately declare the drought that has affected many parts of the country a disaster or a state of emergency.

Many parts of the country are experiencing water shortages, with cattle and crops failing.

This is due to a prolonged drought, which some experts say is the result of global warming and lack of rain.

The Agriculture Department says small-scale farmers who have been at the receiving end are reluctant to accept loans that are intended to assist them.

Department’s acting chief director Ikalafeng Kgakatsi says: “A couple of years ago during the drought, the Minister was in agreement with the IDC to make money and schemes available at a lower rate that was implemented by Land Bank.”

“However the challenge during that time was that farmers that were expected to use that were not really coming forth.”

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