Agriculture Minister Thoko Didiza announced on Tuesday that her department has allocated R1.2 billion to address the effects of the Covid-19 virus and to ensure sustainable food production.
Didiza said live auctions of livestock and sale of other agricultural commodities will continue during the lockdown period and again discouraged citizens against panic buying.
She added that exports and imports of critical agriculture commodities will continue during the lockdown period to ensure global and national food security.
“We urge the food value chain role players to strictly comply and adhere to strict health regulations to contain and arrest COVID-19 as we strive to supply food to the nation,” Didiza said
The department has also availed R100 million to the Land Bank to assist farmers under distress.
