15 Sep 2013

The government has been implored to ensure the correct use of herbicides and other chemicals that will be provided to farmers through the revised Integrated Support Programme for Arable Agriculture Development (ISPAAD).

Speaking at a kgotla meeting addressed by the Assistant Minister of Agriculture, Mr Oreeditse Molebatsi on September 13, a resident of Borolong Mr Sedisa Sebego expressed fear that failure to educate farmers could lead to the chemicals harming them.

Mr Sebego said should there be injuries as a result of incorrect use of the chemicals, the government could run the risk of being sued.

Another resident, Mr Ronald Nshakashogwe requested the Department of Crop Production to show pictures of the Asian fruit fly in all their offices so that farmers could identify it.

Earlier, the chairperson of the farmers association, Mr Dingongorego Charles complained that their area was hard hit by drought. He said he hoped that God would open the flood gates in response to the prayers that were held countrywide.

Mr Charles applauded the government for the revised ISPAAD and urged farmers to take advantage of the first rains. He complained about cattle owners who neglect their animals.

For his part, Mr Molebatsi assured farmers that agricultural demonstrators would ensure that herbicides were used correctly. He encouraged farmers to take advantage of ISPAAD and to plant in rows.

Mr Molebatsi said farmers would get a 25 per cent subsidy on salt, roughage and drought pellets, except in Ngami and Bobirwa where the subsidy woud be 35 per cent.

He said farmers who have 16 hectare farms are at liberty to practice integrated farming.

The MP for Tonota North, Mr Fidelis Molao, applauded the Ministry of Agriculture for reviewing ISPAAD. Ends