Agricultural grant applications open

THE NORTHERN Cape Department of Agriculture, Environmental Affairs, Rural Development and Land Reform has encouraged subsistence, smallholder and black commercial farmers to apply for the Comprehensive Agricultural Support and Ilima/Letsema grants.

The grants provide agricultural support to beneficiaries of land reform, restitution and redistribution as well as other black farmers in domestic and export production who acquired land through private means.

Department spokesperson Basie Silingile said the applications opened on June 1 and would close on June 30.

“The Ilima/Letsema grant strives to assist vulnerable South African farming communities to achieve an increase in agricultural production. This will enable farming communities to feed their families and sell the surplus to the market so as to increase household income,” said Silingile.

He explained that farmers should submit a request letter along with all the required documents that were available at any of the five district offices.

“No late, faxed, e-mailed or unsigned applications will be accepted. For any clarity-seeking questions farmers are requested to call Lilian Senosi on 082 559 6648.”