Drought assessment due to commence

On the committee’s recommendations, President Ian Khama, declared 2013/14 a drought year last July, releasing P217.5 million in various drought relief measures up to April 30, 2014.  The measures include stronger support for vulnerable groups, higher Ipelegeng quotas and subsidies for various agricultural inputs.

The year 2012/13 was declared a partial drought year. Last week, Ministry of Agriculture spokesperson, Boikhutso Rabasha, said the inter-ministerial committee was yet to begin its work. “As of now it is too early to tell whether this season will be a drought year or not,” she said, adding that, “the drought assessment committee is yet to take place where conclusions and recommendations are made to be presented to cabinet for it to make a final decision”.