30 Jul 2013

Agricultural shows are crucial vehicles to propel the country towards attaining food security, says Vice President Dr Ponatshego Kedikilwe.

Addressing attendants at the Mmadinare District agricultural show on July 27, held under the theme ‘Transforming Agriculture in the wake of Climate Change,’ Dr Kedikilwe said such shows serve as an opportunity or platform for farmers and entrepreneurs to introspect, share experiences and learn from each other to take agriculture and food production to greater levels that will contribute to food security.

To this end, he said, government has revised the ISPAAD programme with a view to emphasise the adoption of good agricultural practices by farmers.

He said subsistence farmers are encouraged through the programme to practice prescribed farming methods whereby they will be provided 100 per cent seed and fertilizer subsidy for doing row planting up to a maximum of five hectares and 50 per cent subsidy for the subsequent 11 hectares.

Besides row planting, he said, the use of fertilizers, proper soil tillage as well as weed and pests control among other things are a requirement under the revised ISPAAD.

He said if farmers follow the prescribed farming methods in the revised ISPAAD, a properly ploughed, planted and weeded field measuring five hectares with adequate rain has potential to yield 10 tonnes or 200 bags of maize, five tonnes or 100 bags or sorghum and four tonnes or 80 bags of beans.

 In addition, Dr Kedikilwe said farmers need to appreciate the implications of global warming and climatic patterns of poor rains and floods in the context of conservation of agricultural resources.

Further, he said the strengthening of education of farmers and students is imperative for the growth of the agricultural sector.

On other issues, Vice President Kedikilwe said following the drought assessment situation, government has declared the whole country drought -stricken.

He said the Rural Development Council has advised government on relief measures and action that will be implemented.

He said there will be a provision of 35 per cent drought relief subsidy on selected livestock feeds and supplements for the hardest hit areas such as Ngamiland and Bobirwa and 25 per cent for the rest of the country to forestall the eminent widespread livestock mortality.

 He explained that Bobirwa and Ngamiland areas experienced a double blow of setbacks since they were hit by the Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) and drought.

Dr Kedikilwe also stated that the government has been in negotiations with seven countries in Southern Africa to source water from the Chobe/Zambezi River.

He said government will begin to source water from the river for agricultural purposes in the Pandamatenga area and to augment water supply in the rest of the country.

He said besides the provision of water in Bobirwa areas, Thune Dam will also be used for irrigation agriculture to promote field crop and horticulture in the area. ENDS