06 Aug 2017

The South East District on August 5 held its first agricultural show in almost eight years.

The show, which was held at Mogobane Irrigation Scheme grounds, followed the 2009 agricultural show which was held in Ramotswa.

The showground in Ramotswa is earmarked for a mall , bus and taxi rank by the South East District Council.

The show committee vice chairperson, Mr Tiro Tsumake said organising the district show was not an easy task.

He said some of committee members pulled out during the journey which was characterised by shortage of funds and lack of support from some authorities.

Mr Tsumake said the committee members had to dig into their pockets to pay exhibitors as no sponsor was coming forward.

Despite the challenges, he said their aim was to have the show annually, and added that they also wished to have their own showground.

He said there were many activities which could not be done such as horse riding and football due to lack of grounds.

Furthermore, he added that  they had to prepare for the show as the district was the only one which did not hold annual agricultural shows.

GaMalete deputy chief, Kgosi Tsimane Mokgosi said the show gave farmers an opportunity to showcase their products.

He said it also gave them an opportunity to network and start business transactions which were beneficial to their livelihoods and livestock.

Kgosi Mokgosi further encouraged farmers to take care of the little land they were currently utilising, adding that land was limited in the district.

He encouraged farmers to work hard to improve their production, saying their business supported many livelihoods.

Ramotswa Member of Parliament, Mr Samuel Rantuana said it was a concern that the district was failing to hold agricultural show.

He said this was despite the district being the leading producer of vegetables, dairy and piggery.

He said there was need for all entrepreneurs in the district to stand up and support the initiative. ENDS