07 Feb 2018

Government has injected P1.3 million into the resuscitation of Swakara RADP ranch located in Khawa to help farmers develop skills needed to build businesses that would benefit the farm and surrounding areas.

In an interview, Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, also the deputy chairperson of Rural Development Council, Mr Slumber Tsogwane, said government was committed to improving small stock production in the country through the resuscitation of Lobu farm.

To complement the initiative, he said, revitalisation of RADP ranches would also foster sustainability in small stock production that could help enhance the economy.

Minister Tsogwane said Swakara ranch was currently undergoing major maintenance, for it to start full production.

However, he said the assistance would also be extended to all other RADP ranches across the country, as a way of positioning the country to be self-sufficient in small stock production.

For his part, senior assistant council secretary, Mr Jimmy Mckenzie said maintenance was ongoing at the ranch through the assistance of agriculture department and Ipelegeng for construction of paddocks and shelter for workers.

He said the Swakara sheep project was launched in 2014, supported by Orange Senqu River Commission, but due to lack of space the flock was temporarily moved to Lobu farm.

Mr Mckenzie said they had identified six sites for borehole drilling. ENDS