24 Jul 2018

Farming has always been perceived as an activity for older people and for years, the youth were reluctant to venture into farming. Well, not for the 28-year-old Onalethata Mothibi, who has had passion for farming since childhood.

His journey in farming began with birds, where his passion lies. 

He started with just two chicken breeds, black Orpington and white Australorp in January 2016 and later introduced quails (jumbo, white Japanese and goliath), guinea fowls (white chested, pure white and lavender), bantams (minocra, goldlace sebright, white Japanese and old English), and later he brought in rabbits (mixed breeds).

Mr Mothibi ventured into small stock farming because of lack of funds. He said it was profitable and the losses were minimal as compared to other forms of farming hence he invested in it.

At the beginning of his business, he suffered major losses because of the heat wave and a malfunctioning incubator. But, he did not allow that to hold him back. 

He said towards the end of 2017, he bought an incubator to assist upcoming farmers and other individuals at a reasonable price to raise money for his medicines and food.

Mr Mothibi added that because his birds take a break in winter, he cannot sell until they start laying eggs in August. 

He sells to individual customers and mentions that he is one of the few people recognised by wildlife for breeding Quails legally and most of the time he supplies people who want to breed.

He further noted that even though he has a Certificate in Computer Engineering and Advanced Certificate in ICT, he is always inspired to see something grow from birth until it gets into a plate hence he chose farming over Engineering. 

His company, Lily’s Exotic Poultry is named after his daughter. 

Mr Mothibi encourages other young people and graduates to create jobs for themselves instead of waiting for government to provide.

He oberves that most young people have poor marketing strategies and want to make quick cash. 

In business one should understand they would encounter  challenges, he says. ENDS