13 Dec 2020

Kgosi Boitiro Dithapo of Sehithwa village has applauded President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi efforts of supporting small stock production sector in the country.

He said the President, through his initiative of donating bucks and rams had made farmers think outside the box and see small stock farming as a rewarding business.

He made the remarks during the handing over of a buck to Ms Kedirileng Tiroyakgosi of Sehithwa, who runs a successful small stock project.

Kgosi Boitiro said the President had proved that the development of small stock sector was possible and wished all Batswana could embrace the initiative.

Kgosi Boitiro acknowledged that in Ngamiland, traditionally the community believed that cattle farming was the way to go but expressed happiness that some had realised that small stock industry could also flourish.

“You have opened our eyes to realise that small stock can help revive the economy from household level and I wish all can embrace your initiative so that the small stock sector continues to flourish in the country,” he added.

He attested that Ms Tiroyakgosi was testimony that small stock was a rewarding business if one took it seriously.

The area MP, Mr Carterpillar Hikuama also appreciated the support accorded to Ms Tiroyakgosi by President Masisi, noting that she had proved to be a serious farmer in the Sehithwa area.

“This is the time to celebrate with the beneficiary and we believe that she will take care of the donation to ensure it produces desired results,” he added.

Earlier on President Masisi had noted that some people were against his initiative as they viewed it as a waste of funds.

He called on those who realised its positive outcome to continue embracing it.

Small stock farming, he said was a Setswana culture and tradition which all should embrace, adding that many earned a living through the rearing of livestock.

For her part, Ms Tiroyakgosi thanked the President for coming to her rescue noting that she had been wishing to own a high breed buck for breeding purposes.  

The buck, she said would not only benefit her but the entire Sehithwa farming community.

Ms Tiroyakgosi, a self-employed mother of six children is a LIMID beneficiary who was assisted in 2012 with 13 goats comprising of 12 females and one buck.

Since then, she never looked back as she managed them well and was able to sell six goats in 2015.

She revealed in an interview that she prided herself on having over 80 goats after selling 29 to LIMID programme last month.

 “I am the sole owner of my farm and I make a living out of these animals,” she added.

She explained that with the proceeds, she bought two second-hand clothing bales since she wanted to diversify adding that the clothing business also boosted her income generation.

Through small stock and clothing businesses, Ms Tiroyakgosi said she managed to refurbish her two-roomed houses and also constructed another one alongside supporting her two daughters who were at tertiary institutions in Gaborone.

Although she stated that small stock farming was challenging as animals were prone to diseases, she emphasised that if managed well through routine immunisation, it was possible to run a successful project.

She appealed to fellow women to venture into small stock farming saying animals adapted easily.

“Small stock farming is very rewarding as goats give birth to their kids twice a year and your stock can potentially grow,” she added.

Ms Tiroyakgosi pointed out that goats needed proper management and care adding that one needed patience and determination to thrive in the business. ENDS