11 Apr 2017

Batswana continue to explore government initiatives to fight abject poverty. 

And farming has proven to be profitable business that can improve lives of Batswana.

However the fluctuations of nutritive natural pastures compromises livestock farming and this means farmers have to come up with innovative ways of improving productivity.

One  such farmer is Mr Willie Mautle who has ventured into Lablab farming to ease the consequences of unstable natural pastures.

Mr Mautle said he started developing passion and love for lablab when he was a tertiary student in 2013 when he learnt that lablab, just like cowpeas, was good and recommend for Kgalagadi region and also good fodder for animals.

He added that since the area experienced inadequate rainfall he opted for farming that would ease the struggle during the dry season.

He said a good Samaritan introduced him to ISPAAD in 2016; an initiative he showered with praises.

He was assisted with free seeds and started ploughing  towards the end of last year.

He pointed out that through the guidance of officials from the department of crop production, his plants grew well.

The department helped him with necessary skills to manage his crops.

The 29-year-old said he intended to feed his livestock especially during the dry season and also for commercial purposes.

He explained that Lablab made good quality fodder, adding that the plant was drought resistant therefore suitable for climatic conditions of Kgalagadi.

He said lablab was easy to harvest as compared to other plants.

He therefore does not have to hire a lot of workers during  harvesting period.

Like any other business person, Mr Mautle  had to contend with a lot of challenges including wild animals  that eat and destroy his crops.

He added that through the help of Wildlife Department he was able to keep the animals at bay.

Mr Mautle urged farmers to find passion in whatever business they wanted to venture into because there was no success in business without passion.

He stated that government had different programmes for the young and old to use and improve their livelihoods. ENDS