Mbombela - Mpumalanga farmers who are interested in breeding Nguni cattle have until July 30 to submit their applications.
The offer comes from the provincial Department of Agriculture, Rural Development and Land Administration, which is a partner in the Mpumalanga IDC Nguni Cattle Project.
"The project aims to reintroduce the Nguni breed in rural farming communities and increase black entrepreneurs in the agribusiness," said department spokesman Bheki Nyathikazi on Thursday.
He said the project also sought to improve and enhance the genes of Ngunis, as well as the animals' performance.
Successful farmers will each be loaned an Nguni bull and 30 pregnant heifers over a five-year period.
The farmers will be expected to pay back the loan by providing the project with one calf per year over a period of five years.
Farmers who qualify must be from previously disadvantaged communities, live in the province and must have a farm bigger than 600 hectares.
"The farm must have rudimentary infrastructure such as fencing, water troughs and loading zone. The farmers' livestock must be certified free of any noticeable diseases," Nyathikazi added.
He said the applications should be accompanied by certified copies of identity documents, proof of farm ownership and short description of the farm and utilisation history.
Applications are obtainable at local agricultural extension offices and tribal offices.
Other partners in the Mpumalanga IDC Nguni Cattle Project are the Industrial Development Corporation and the University of Limpopo.
