18 Feb 2018

Ministry of Agricultural Development and Food Security does not have the capacity to test and verify privately owned tractors and implements for serviceability before engaging them in the ISPAAD programme.

This was said by Minister Patrick Ralotsia when responding to a parliamentary question on Thursday from the MP for Mahalapye West, Mr Joseph Molefe.

“Training of tractor operators is the responsibility of tractor owners.

However, our officers in collaboration with implement owners assist operators about their use and care,” he said.

He noted that the challenge was that for every ploughing season, there were different operators and that it affected continuity and the efficient use of machinery.

In addition, Minister Ralotsia said he was not aware that crop failure during the 2016/2017 cropping season was due to unserviceable planters and unknowledgeable operators.

He, however, attributed crop failure to many factors such as abnormal high rainfall which caused leaching resulting in plant nutrient deficiencies, rotting of seeds in the soil, weed, pest and disease infestation as well as drought.

He said the total area in hectares under cereal crops during 2016/17 cropping season for Mahalapye amounted to 8 174.12 hactares.

The total cost for the area planted in the 2016/17 cropping season for Mahalapye was P15 893 153 (draught power was P11 583 480 and inputs  was P4 309 673), he added.  Ends