Drought sparks food price hike in the Cape

Western Cape consumers can prepare themselves for major increases in food prices as a result of the current drought in certain areas of the province. Milk, bread, flour, vegetables and fruit prices could sky-rocket over the next few months if the province doesn't receive significant rainfall before May this year.

Areas worst affected are the Red-Karoo - north of Piketberg, areas near Beaufort West and Bitterfontein in Namaqualand. Agri Western Cape says some farmers in these drought-stricken areas have had to leave their farms to look for alternative income.

"We're also importing corn in other countries," said Cobus Dowry, the Western Cape minister of agriculture.

Dowry was speaking after a meeting with Ebrahim Rasool, the premier of the Western Cape, the head of the province's finance department and social services to discuss the possibility of declaring certain areas in the province as disaster areas. A spokesperson for the premier earlier indicated that they would decide whether to approach the national government on the issue.

Six thousand farm households are affected by the drought and about 500 farmers are already receiving subsidised fodder from the government. An amount of R8 million has been allocated for drought relief with an additional R1 million set aside for the drilling of bore-holes. An additional R25 million is needed to take care of the farmers' needs for the next five months.

A task team has been appointed look at an interim solution to the problem.