12 Sep 2016

The Minister of Agriculture Mr Patrick Ralotsia says promoting modern irrigation systems in primary schools has the potential to improve performance in agricultural subjects.
Mr Ralotsia who is also a Member of Parliament for Kanye North was handing over a modernised irrigation system equipment at Lejwana Primary School Garden in the Good Hope Sub -district on Friday (September 9).
The equipment was donated by Farmers World Company.
He noted that the system had modern irrigation methods which avoided water flooding.
Irrigation is the method in which water is supplied to plants at regular intervals for agriculture and it is used to assist in the growing of agricultural crops, maintenance of landscapes, and vegetation of disturbed soils in dry areas and during periods of inadequate rainfall and unreliable rainfall.
He said within the broad framework on shared watercourses, water could be harvested to address water needs, adding that the irrigation systems used by farmers aimed at reducing agricultural water usage.
Mr Ralotsia urged farmers and other residents to have at least a water tank to conserve water for future use.
He said climate conditions caused by global change was affecting farmers, advising then to change their mind set.
 He urged them to desist from using the old method of planting as the country was facing water shortage and drought.
For his part, the director of the Farmers World Company Mr Herman Patel said it was their social responsibility to assist the school. He said they donated fertilizers and farm machinery including drip water pipes.
Mr Patel applauded teachers and students at the school for working hard after being assisted. He said they donated the modernised equipment so that students learn crop production.
The school has members of the community contributing on a regular basis to its  success.
The school has a total of 158 students and eight teachers who appreciated the donations as they have contributed to the school’s improved performance. ENDS