09 Jul 2013

The public relations officer (Agriculture) for Tsabong region, Mr Peter Manguba believes  that benchmarking from the just ended Ghanzi show will help transform the upcoming Kgalagadi show.

The delegation comprising agricultural demonstrators and show organising committee was drilled on how to attract investors, amongst other things.

“Our department went there on a benchmarking mission. Thus to pick up certain elements that can make our exhibition adhere to professional standards as the Ghanzi annual show is one of the best in the country,”  said Mr Manguba.

However, he conceded that before going on a benchmarking mission, Tsabong show organisers had little knowledge on the importance of the agricultural show as well as the organising part.

 “There is a lot to be showcased. The best selected small stock animals will be made to compete with another, the same model will be incorporated to the cattle herds available. The best will be made to compete at a show to be held in Gaborone, to represent our region,” he said.

Mr Manguba stressed that although arable farming did not suit dry conditions in Kgalagadi, the best harvest for this year would be shown. He advised farmers to plant crops from the legume family, which produced better yields in the region.

He warned farmers that during the next planting season, maize seeds would not be dispensed to ISPAAD beneficiaries as the crop was susceptible to failure in the region. He said they would gauge their overall achievements from the show looking at the change in overall production in both arable and livestock farming sectors.

For his part, chief agricultural demonstrator, Mr Suberee Kapeko said his department recorded significant improvements in total hectorage as compared to the previous planting season.

“The total hectorage for the entire region is 780.91 hectares for all crops. These shows that people have shown interest in crop production. The December rains are the main reason for the increase in hectorage. Unfortunately for them, since the start of the year low rains were recorded declining production harvest,” he said.

Mr Kapeko appealed to farmers to submit their reports to their respective agricultural demonstrators as they are pivotal for planning purposes. ENDS