23 Sep 2020

The small stock initiative yesterday landed President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi near Tshimoyapula and Paje villages where he donated high breed bucks to two different families.

  In the Tshimoyapula area, Mr and Ms Oalotse Mmolaatsie received a Kalahari red buck.

The couple, whose venture is   self-funded, started production in 1994 and supplies both individuals and the Livestock Management and Infrastructure Development (LIMID) programme.  

Handing over the present, President Masisi said the initiative  was in line with Vision 2036 ideals..

He commended the family for their enterprising spirit and encouraged them to work even harder.

The President also advised them to take  good care of the buck as it would add value to their small stock and help them produce more for the market.

He said the family benefitted a lot from their small stock and were showing potential therefore it was important to empower them.

Minister of Agricultural Development and Food Security Mr Karabo Gare encouraged the Mmolaatsie to take farming seriously.

He said the President’s gift was an investment which they had to take good care of. 

Minister Gare also encouraged the couple to seek advice for improving their project from his ministry.

Mr Mmolaatsie thanked President Masisi for the gift promising to take good care of it so that it multiplied. 

Noting that they lost most of their stock, they said President Masisi’s present was an encouragement. 

In Paje, President Mokgweetsi Masisi donated a buck to the Moswate family.

Dr Masisi said small stock production had the potential to grow wealth and ultimately transform the lives of Batswana for the better.

As Vision 2036 champion, he found it necessary to encourage venturing into commercial small stock production by assisting farmers who showed potential.

The President said the buck donated to the family was a recognition of the hard work and commitment shown by Mr Nchidzi Moswate and wife Lebogang.

The family started engaging in small stock production in 2016 with only seven goats which has increased to 36.

He said the Boer goat donated was a good breed with high quality carcass and milk production as well as ability to produce multiple births.

Dr Masisi further said for Batswana to realise Vision 2036, they ought to work closely together and support one another.

For his part, Central District Council chairman Mr Ketshwereng Galeragwe said the initiative would not only change the lives of the Moswate family but would make a difference in the lives of people in the district.

If Batswana could heed Dr Masisi’s call for seriousness in small stock production, they would realise its profitability.

Thanking the President, the Moswate family said the gift was an answer to their prayers as they had no buck at all. Ends