05 Mar 2021

President Dr Mokweetsi Masisi on Wednesday handed over  20  rams and bucks to the remaining 10 constituencies which had not yet benefitted when the presidential small stock initiative was halted due to COVID-19

Members of Parliament for the affected constituencies received the small stock on behalf of intended beneficiaries at President Masisi’s farm in Mmatseta.

President Masisi also donated two bucks as personal gifts to MPs for Gantsi South and Kgalagadi North Mr Motsamai Motsamai and Ms Talita Monnakgotla respectively.

Handing over the animals, President Masisi said the small stock market secured in the Middle East in countries such as Saudi Arabia and Qatar was very lucrative. 

“Our beef is tasty” which made it unique and desirable in those regions, he said.

The president urged those who benefited from the initiative to exchange ideas and useful information with other farmers.

Speaking at the occasion, Vice President Slumber Tsogwane said improved agricultural productivity was a long-time vision of the President’s. 

Mr Tsogwane said because President Masisi desired a food-secure nation, he was leading by example.

He was the Vision 2036 torch bearer for the same reason, the vice president said. 

Stressing the importance improved breeding of animals, Mr Tsogwane explained that quality breeds dictated high prices in the market.

 That was the only way farmers could realise good results in their farming enterprises, he said.

Goodhope/Mabule MP Mr Eric Molale concurred with the vice president saying that having a  good  quality ram or buck significantly changed one’s farming practices as the farmer would be able to decide his or her breeding seasons.

Mr Motsamai reiterated that the secured markets were so lucrative that it would take Batswana to get into small stock farming in large numbers in order for the country to have its fair share.

He requested government to consider establishing an artificial insemination centre solely for small stock in order to increase numbers and improve quality. ENDS