17 Apr 2016

Kotolaname farmers have exceeded the expected target of 1400 tonnes of cereals despite the harsh climatic conditions that the country endured this current ploughing season.

Kotolaname has been cited among areas that government relied on for cereal production with about 10 000 hectares of land deemed to be conducive for ploughing.

This was said by Kotolaname extension officer Mr Babsy Baraki during Kweneng South field day held at Kotolaname  He said that the Department of Agriculture had given them the same target last year but they only managed to produce 150 tonnes of cereals.

What is different though this year is that some farmers ploughed at the right time and have used fertilisers hence they expect very good yields. He said out of the 10 000 hectares, only 4 000 hectares had  been ploughed.

Farmers who ploughed around December have realised no yield at all because of low rainfall. However, those who took advantage of the late rains in January are the ones with better crop yields.

The extension officer also revealed that the type of soil in the area has high moisture retention levels, which explains the area’s status as a crop production leader in the whole of Kweneng District.

For his part, the vice chairperson of the Botswana Commericial farmers Association Mr Molatlhegi Modise has advised farmers to use new methods of farming to withstand harsh climatic conditions and realise better yields.

He urged them to conduct soil tests in their farms and improve deficiencies in the soil. Ms Gaokgakala Letlhokwa of Kotolaname, one of the farmers who did soil testing, gave testimony that the results she saw this year are quite an improvement.

She explained that after years of poor harvest, performing soil testing has been a game changer for her. She is expecting a bumper harvest.
Ms Shalemme Tshekiso of Kakane Lands said her success comes from row planting.

She said that she takes farming seriously. She said that she stays full time at her farm to take care of her work donkeys. Mr Modiri Manthe, a farmer at Kotolaname, has advised fellow farmers to take their occupation seriously and not operate their farms through “remote control”.

He cautioned them that farming is scientific, thus it is imperative for them to acquaint themselves with the ever evolving methods of farming to feed the nation. ENDS