18 Oct 2020

The small stock  initiative will go a long way in closing the country’s economic disparity gap, says President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi.

   Handing over a ram to the Sebitola family at Phiring lands in the outskirts of Molepolole and Lentswelatau, Dr Masisi pointed out that addressing economic disparities was part of the country’s Vision 2036 aspirations.

  He said as vision champion he was committed to addressing economic disparities espoused in the vision. 

Saying small stock farming had the potential to be Botswana’s second diamond, the President  explained that his initiative intended to inspire locals to take it seriously in order to produce food for the country. 

“Of recent, South Africa sent 60 000 live sheep to Saudi Arabia and this should be an inspiration to Batswana farmers on the potential of this sector,” said Dr Masisi. 

He said the donations were also aimed at inspiring others to emulate him and contribute to the wellbeing of their communities by keep up the spirit of giving. 

Through the initiative, President Masisi said he would continue to donate rams and bucks to identified farmers with the aim of improving their stock. 

The President said Batswana had through Vision 2036 made it clear that they wanted economic prosperity which required all hands to be on deck. 

Prosperity, he said, brought peace and tranquility and every Motswana deserved to benefit economically.

  Presidents Masisi pleaded with Batswana to use him in wealth creation as he wished to see citizens prosper. 

Beneficiaries, Mr Sejampelo Sebitola and Ms Mogolo Sebitola expressed gratitude to the President  and pledged to take care of their gift. 

“This ram will definitely improve our stock and we are very happy,” said the duo. 

Minister of Agricultural Development and Food Security Mr Karabo Gare said the ministry would help the Sebitola family acquire the necessary small stock production skills. 

Mr Gare said to be able to export, the country had to increase its small stock population. 

The current small stock population was insignificant for the export market which made the President’s initiative even more pertinent, he said. 

To grow the local stock, he said, farmers had to be capacitated with relevant skills and knowledge. 

For example, Mr Gare said, the ram could make up to P64 000 for the Sebitola family each breeding cycle. Ends