02 Jun 2014

The headman of record for Dzoroga in the Tutume Sub-district, Kgosi Gakeboife Nkalolang has urged Batswana to revive the spirit of self-reliance.



Speaking during a thanks giving ceremony for this year’s harvest held recently at Dzoroga, Kgosi Nkalolang said the spirit of self-reliance would help reduce the high dependency syndrome on the government.



“Back then, Batswana survived through cultivating their lands and rearing livestock and those disadvantaged borrowed mafisa cattle as a means to feed themselves,” he said.



Kgosi Nkalolang said some Batswana, who are considered destitute, are capable people who have abandoned their fields and look to government to feed them.

He said Batswana should make use of government programmes so as to produce more food that would help offset the high food import bill that the government has had to grapple with for years.



“Our government has extended a helping hand in farming through ISPAAD, therefore individuals and farmers should make use of the programme and produce more food that can help the country attain self-sufficiency in food production,” he said.



Meanwhile, the agricultural extension officer for Gweta Extension area, Mr Tiroyaone Jeremiah revealed that 187 farmers from his area managed to plough 450 hectares. 



He said only 55 farmers row planted through the use of tractors, five also row planted using donkeys, while 127 farmers broadcasted.



Mr Jeremiah urged farmers heed the government’s call to desist from broadcasting, but stick to row planting. 



He indicated that row planting would enable them to produce more yields and benefit from the government as they would be provided with hybrid seeds and fertilizers.



Mr Jeremiah further pleaded with farmers to start as early as possible to prepare for the next sowing season. 



“Those who are able should start purchasing the machinery required for row planting,” he said. Ends