29 Apr 2018

Minister of Agricultural Development and Food Security, Mr Patrick Ralotsia has urged farmers to utilise the land entrusted to them to feed the nation.

Mr Ralotsia, who was the guest speaker at the Sandveld Ranchers Association (SRA) Farmers Day held at Bolela farms on Saturday (April 28) said land as a scarce commodity should be utilised for the purpose intended for and pleaded with farmers to put it to optimal and sustainable use and feed the nation.  

The minister indicated that only 80 out of the 350 cattle farms at the Sandveld Farms were active and thus expressed concern over the huge number of inactive members.

He encouraged active members not to despair in that such was not peculiar to their block only.

Minster Ralotsia said individualism was a common phenomenon amongst Batswana entrepreneurs, an attitude he strongly believed should be changed.

“As government we encourage formation of farmers associations and cooperatives for effective outreach and lobbying. I challenge you to undertake robust recruitment drive to lobby for more membership in order to develop and grow the livestock industry to another level,” he said.

He said climate change must be taken into account in producing livestock by rearing suitable breeds and using crop residues to feed livestock as well as correct rates.

Minister Ralotsia applauded farmers for roping in the former president, Lt Gen. Dr Seretse Khama Ian Khama as the SRA patron.

He said such was rare privilege that should not be taken for granted but be cherished as they were willing to learn from him.

Further, the minster said he was aware of the infrastructural challenges that farmers were faced with in their production area and said government had prioritised development of infrastructure in production areas.

Such, he said were carried out through the Economic Stimulus Programme (ESP) and said although they may not have benefited them directly, they nonetheless contributed to agricultural development.

Again, he said government was committed to addressing issues affecting agricultural production, adding that decline in national herd remained a major setback in livestock production.

Cuurently, he said calving rate stood at 32 per cent and said such was not healthy for the business.

He added that working out bull to cow ratio was important as such proved to be effective during the restocking at Ngami district.

The minister also advised them to sell their animals at primetime so that they can get good prices for their animals and save money to earn interest.

He also urged them to embrace new ways of farming to enhance their production. ENDS