05 Aug 2013

Kgalagadi farmers have been challenged to devise new methods of farming that are compliant and compatible with the current climate.

Speaking during Tsabong agro-tourism show, August 3, Motor Vehicle Accident Fund chief executive officer, Mr Cross Kgosidiile advised farmers to be innovative in the wake of changing climate. Mr Kgosidiile said time had come for Batswana farmers to stop relying on rainfall as they did in the past since it was erratic and as such affected farming.

He also observed that the show availed farmers and those in the tourism sectors to embrace competition as one avenue that helped improve services and production. He contended that farming had transformed into a business and as such farmers should keep abreast with changes.

Mr Kgosidiile said that the agro-tourism show was a platform, which the district could use to market the region as a tourism destination. He challenged farmers to create employment for other Batswana arguing that farming, unlike other employs that were capital intensive, needed labour and as such provide employment opportunities.

He observed that farming was capable of improving the country’s economy if treated with the seriousness it deserved. He said it was through that realisation that his organisation sponsored the show in order to see Tsabong show grow in leaps and bounds and by so doing contributing to the growth of the economy.

However, farmers were warned that their business was not one of the easiest to venture into but advised that with commitment and devotion, farmers were destined for success.

On other related issues, the show committee elected livestock sector committee responsible for issues of livestock at the show that would report to the former. The committee comprised of chairman Mr William Matswiri, vice chairman Mr Piet Villander, secretary Mr Joseph Lorekang, vice secretary Mr Ezekiel Tebele and treasurer Mr Darryl van der Westhuizen.

Speaking during the election, an officer from department of Veterinary Services, Mr Kabelo Dintwe advised farmers to reduce reliance on public officers to organise shows for them but should seek advice from them instead. He called on farmers to work closely with show committee for a successful hosting of it. He was however impressed by developments.

Show committee chairman Mr Moses Chimbombi encouraged farmers to form an association which will be tasked with handling farmers’ issues.

“Some of you question our legitimacy when we represent you at various national farmers’ forum” said Mr Chimbombi explaining the need for formation of an association.

The four day show was spiced up by horse and camel racing as some of tourism activities. Like any other show, farmers came in good numbers to exhibit their best produce and put themselves in line to clinch respectable positions.

Farmers brought livestock as well as chicken. However, adjudicators were not so much impressed by some livestock which showed signs of poor care by farmers.

Meanwhile Ms Show walked away with slay bed, television set as well as a home theatre courtesy of MVA Fund. Other contestants also walked home with household items. ENDS