11 Jul 2021

President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi has encouraged Khawa Kopanelo Development Trust to digitise Swakara Farm in order to fully exploit small stock production.

Dr Masisi, who was speaking during the presentation of 65 small stock to the trust on Friday, said digitisation would enable it to keep count of its produce and track history of each animal.

He also advised the trust to use the newly-launched digital eartags and further make small stock farming attractive to the youth by involving them in its value chain.

Launched at Lobu Farm the same day,  the digital eartags are part of government’s grand plan to develop the small stock sector.

Dr Masisi praised the trust for striving to  develop Swakara Farm and its trustees for promoting cordial relations with stakeholders which he said helped in the farm’s development.

He noted that the trust cooperated with government officials who assisted with the farm’s transformation.

President Masisi encouraged it to ensure that the donated stock multiplied  for the community’s benefit and developed into a model to be replicated nationwide.

The aim, he said, was to ensure development of small stock to create employment opportunities and sustain livelihoods.

Speaking at the event, Minister of Agricultural Development and Food Security Mr Karabo Gare said the donation was a response to the trust’s request for more small stock.It was also aimed at ensuring the farm’s sustainability as well as self-reliance and ultimately transformation of Khawa community livelihoods.

Kgosi Piet Manyoro of Khawa said the donation would go a long way in improving Swakara Farm.

The donation, he said, would inculcate the spirit of self-reliance in locals by encouraging them to focus on making returns instead of depending on government handouts.

He also said the donation would ensure diversification of produce at the Karakul sheep producing farm.

If the Karakul pelt market plunged, the farm would be able to sustain itself with other types of small stock, he said.

He advised that the farm be run independently and encouraged its development into a successful enterprise.

Trust secretary Mr Moseka Seitshiro thanked Dr Masisi and Minister Gare for fulfilling their promise to donate small stock to Swakara Farm.

He assured the presidential delegation that the donation would be taken care of.

In addition, he said the trust would strive to make progress in order to capitalise on the still under construction Tsabong multispecies abattoir. ENDS