30 Jul 2019

Engaging in farming will be meaningless unless Batswana understand the importance of returns on investment, managing director of Phakalane Estate, Mr Lesang Magang has said.

Officially opening Kweneng District Show in Molepolole Saturday, he said farming as another form of business, required commitment if one was to benefit from the turnover of what had been invested.

He informed the farming community that it was through commitment and hard work that they would enjoy the riches and transform their lives when they took farming as a full-time job.

Mr Magang further advised farmers to take advantage of district shows as platforms for networking and exchanging of ideas that could help improve their farming technics.

“I am of the view that to make the goal achievable we need to divert from the current ISPAAD programme which pays for input, and adopt a system where payment would be for output as it was likely to increase yield and make the country sustainable in food production,” he said.

Mr Magang urged the ministry to come up with modern technologies and methods that could empower the farming community and diversify farming. 

He said to enhance farming in Kweneng District through increased and improved small stock, the Ministry of Agricultural Development and Food Security had taken the decision to identity a farm suitable for small stock production similar to the one at Lobu in Kgalagadi District.

“I am reliably informed that there are 97 ISPAAP projects with the potential to produce 2 000 tonnes of fodder to support the livestock industry,” said Mr Magang.

He said it would have a huge influence on food production and eventually eradicate poverty which was rife in some areas of Kweneng.

He added that the district had the potential to produce both quality crops and livestock for consumption and commercial purposes.

Show committee chairperson, Mr Samuel Mapitse said despite operational constraints they managed to host the show and were working to ensure full utilisation of show facilities.

 “It is our wish to have the plot wisely utilised for the benefit of the community, and I am happy about the support from good Samaritans helping us to attain the dream,” he said.

He pleaded with the office of the district commissioner to encourage public officers in the vicinity to support community projects such as district shows through availing resources and advises needed for project growth.

Kgosi Kgari III commended the Kweneng District show committee for their hard work towards hosting the event despite lack of rainfall which impacted on yields and farming in general.

He encouraged committee members to soldier on and view challenges as opportunities to exploit to realise desired dreams. “You need to learn from your previous mistakes and come up with ways on how best you can overcome previous mistakes,” he said. Ends