PREVIOUSLY disadvantaged farmers are to receive special low-cost mortgage bond rates to help them start and maintain their farms, the Land Bank announced on Tuesday. Land Bank general manager of operations Totsie Memela said in a statement that the special interest rate will considerably reduce the interest charges emerging farmers would have to pay on land purchases. The interest on bonds is set for 15% for the first 18 months, subject to a downward trend if there are major changes in the market. The bonds are available to all previously disadvantaged first-time buyers of agricultural land. Memela said farmers willd be able to borrow up to R250000. The bank is also to help the Department of Land Affairs initiative to assist emerging farmers by offering the department first option on properties in the bank’s possession.