16 Jan 2019

Subsistence farmers around Kweneng West have been advised to plough crops that can withstand harsh weather conditions.

In an interview with BOPA, the sub-district crop production officer, Ms Kelebileone Moruisi said due to late and poorly distributed rainfall in Kweneng West, farmers were encouraged to plough crops which can survive the high temperatures as they are uncertain of adequate rainfall after planting.

Ms Moruisi highlighted that ploughing had commenced in the area following recent rains and that farmers showed great interest as a large number of them collected seeds.

“Even though the rains came late, farmers came in large numbers to collect seeds for ploughing.

However it was evident that maize would be planted in large amounts as it was collected most, and it was now finished,” she said.

Beans and sorghum, she said, remained in large amounts despite advice to plant more of the said crops because they can withstand the hot weather conditions.

Furthermore, she said the distributed seeds comprised of open pollinated varieties being Kalahari Early Pearl breed of maize, Segaolwane sorghum, black eye peas, hybrid sorghum and maize as well as lablab, which is given at a 50 per cent subsidy.

Meanwhile, Ms Moruisi added that in good years they ploughed up to 20 000 hectares, but this year, due to late rainfall, the hectorage was estimated to 15 000.

She advised farmers to always register for seeds collection early to enable proper planning for the next ploughing season.

“Community members need to refrain from coming for seed collection after it has rained without firstly registering with our office to ensure adequate supply,” she said. ENDS