17 Jan 2017

Farmers have been urged to use solar water pumping system to water their livestock as it is cost effective compared to other systems.

The call was made by Haina Veld based farmer, Mr Kuruuo Kanyose, in an interview with BOPA recently.

Mr Kanyose praised the system which he started using last year saying it was more beneficial than the system he was using before because it does not emit any gases that pollute the environment.

He explained that previously he was using an engine, which needed to be fueled and required more money, adding that he was now producing enough water for his livestock.

Mr Kanyose added that the previous system required more water pumping leading to more diesel use and forcing him to drive for about 200 kilometers for a re-fill.

He also said the engine often experienced breakdowns and needed expensive equipment to repair.

“When using the solar water pumping system you only need the sun which is available and free, I realised that I have not been giving my livestock enough water since I was limited by diesel which required me to have about P2 000 every month,” he said.

Mr Kanyose said the new system does not require skill or manpower as one just press the button to operate.

He said he had now started breeding his cattle and selling them especially the oxen and bulls adding that last year only he had managed to sell three bulls, something that brought back his hope which vanished as a result of spending too much on commodities like diesel and repairing the engine.

Mr Kanyose noted that livestock needed to be managed well so that they increase in numbers. BOPA