23 Sep 2020

Batswana's desire for an inclusive economy as well as their other aspirations remain the glue that binds them together, says President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi.

  He said through the small stock initiative, he hoped to see the nation marching together as one towards realisation of its dream of a better future.

  In his continuing efforts to empower Batswana to close the food security gap, President Masisi this week presented gifts of small stock to selected farmers in the Central District to add to their flock and in the process, improve their breeds.

 Moralane’s Ramogonono family and the Thabatshes of Lesetwane made the list on Tuesday with the former receiving a ram and the latter a buck.

Addressing the Ramogononos, Dr Masisi encouraged them to dream beyond selling their flock only to government through LIMID but to instead aspire to penetrate foreign markets, a feat he said  was achievable through the use of technology in their farming endeavours.

To the Thabatshes, President Masisi said they should continue motivating other aspiring farmers. 

Agricultural development and food security minister, Mr Karabo Gare who had accompanied President Masisi, implored Batswana farmers to help government in its efforts to restore the agricultural sector to its former position in terms of contribution to the country's GDP.

"Agriculture used to have a significant contribution to our GDP. COVID-19 has compelled us to go back to the drawing board and revert to agriculture as it has proven capable to carry us through difficult times," he said.

There was ample evidence that the country enjoyed economic competence in the sector which ought to inspire farmers to do their utmost, he said.

Mr Gare reiterated government's commitment to take amenities to production areas.

Vision 2036 coordinator, Mr Christopher Molomo said concerns of poor or lack of implementation of government programmes and policies as well as challenges of inadequate mentoring and evaluation were being addressed.

Mr Molomo said the small stock initiative was proof of the commitment to address the stated challenges.

 It was encouraging, he said, that President Masisi had chosen to be at the forefront of government efforts to address the challenges.

Mr Goteng Ramogonono and his wife Ms Gaebolae Rakoekano run a self-funded small stock venture in the outskirts of Moralane and derive their livelihood from it through sales to LIMID and individual buyers.

For Ms Pauline Thabatshe and her husband Bakwena, also self-funded, their small stock production commenced in 2006 with only four goats which with time multiplied to more than 300.

The family supplies government’s LIMID programme and have through the proceeds acquired a milling machine and a borehole. Ends