18 Oct 2020

The President, Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi, says by giving out bucks and rams to farmers, he is not starting a new programme, but adding to the existing empowerment schemes.

When handing over a buck to Mr Gofaone Lekgatho of Makamatshwane lands in Ramotswa on Friday, Dr Masisi said he intended to encourage Batswana to improve their livestock in order to penetrate an international market.

He said he was impressed by the level of commitment and dedication showed by the young farmer, adding that he would in future be able to take care of his family while feeding Batswana.

Mr Lekgatho (34) started with one goat given to him by his parents, but he never looked back and in 2017, he applied for LIMID.

In 2015, he took a loan from Young Farmers Fund amounting to P96 000, which he used to buy 48 goats and two bucks and he fully repaid the loan.

He now has 93 goats that he sold to individuals and LIMID beneficiaries.

Area MP, Mr Lefoko Moagi, urged the young farmer to remain dedicated to his undertaking.

He further said farmers in the vicinity could bring their goats to him for breeding to improve their livestock.

At Dimawe lands near Manyana,  President Masisi donated a buck to 47-year-old Ms Tonight Rramasu.   

President Masisi said through his small stock donation initiative, he hoped to transform and shape livestock production in the country.

Minister of Agriculture Development and Food Security, Mr Karabo Gare said October 16, was a significant day in which the world commemorated world food day.

Mr Gare said the COVID-19 pandemic was threatening the food security and nutrition of millions of people around the world.

He said, the president’s initiative was a milestone towards achieving a food secure nation.

Minister Gare said the President’s initiative would bore desired results in the not so distant future.

Therefore, he urged all to join hands and strive to achieve food security and diversify economy through the agricultural value chain.

Area MP and also Minister for Defence, Justice and Security, Mr Kagiso Mmusi, said the President had brought hope to the people of Dimawe.

He advised them not to take for granted what government was doing and instead strive to contribute positively to the agricultural sector.

 

The beneficiary, Ms Rramasu started rearing goats in 2010 through the Livestock Management and Infrastructure Development (LIMID) programme.

In 2015, she sold four to pay school fees while in 2016 she sold some to the poverty eradication programme.

In the same year, she sold five goats to connect electricity in her house.

The following year, she sold five to connect water.

In 2019, she sold nine goats in total to buy a donkey cart.

Ms Rramasu said that she was lost for words and assured President Masisi that she would not let him down.

She also said that since she had an advantage to improve her herd, one day she would be championing Vision 2036 that the President was preaching. ENDS