13 Jul 2021

Government has been urged to review the Livestock Management and Infrastructure Development (LIMID) programme to ensure it  also covers integrated farmers who wish to drill boreholes in their farms.

North West Integrated Farmers Association (NWIFA) public relations officer, Mr Motang Gabofele observed in an interview that the programme currently, benefited integrated farmers who have borehole certificates only.

He said the arrangement to assist farmers with boreholes certificates disadvantaged other committed farmers who wanted to utilise their lands to help the country  realise food security.

He said it was a pity that Tawana Land Board had since 2007 suspended allocation of boreholes in Ngamiland district, something, which he said had exacerbated the situation.

Some farmers, he said, had responded positively to government’s plea to take agriculture seriously and ensure food availability following the devastating effects of COVID-19 pandemic but their efforts were frustrated by lack of water in their farms.

The pandemic, he noted, had taught Batswana a lesson that they should work hard to reduce import bill hence he called on government to revisit the clause in LIMID programme which stated that only farmers with borehole certificate should be assisted.

Mr Gabofele pointed out that farmers were being encouraged to practice integrated farming to diversify the agricultural products hence they should be assisted to drill boreholes.

Many Batswana, he said owned agricultural land which they could not utilise hence the need to revisit LIMID and motivate farmers to improve food production.

In addition, he said, some farmers wanted to introduce other agricultural activities on their land but water shortage posed a challenge.

Mr Gabofele pointed out that integrated farming had many advantages as it allowed the landholder to concentrate production efforts on a single piece of land thus saving the farmer labour costs in developing more than one portion of land.

The Gumare based farmer has ventured into integrated farming practicing arable farming, rearing of cattle and is planning to add small stock once he drills a borehole.

Small stock, he said, had proven to be a rewarding business and applauded President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi’s efforts towards supporting small stock production in the country.

He said that he had also established a quarantine in his farm, which had been inspected by department of Veterinary Services and was currently awaiting issuance of permit.

He explained that he owned 11.7 hectares of land which he ploughed yearly, adding that this year he harvested 70 bags of maize.

Mr Gabofele also implored Batswana to embrace agriculture as it could help revive the economy.

He said Ngamiland was said to be one of the poorest district despite its wealth in natural resources, and appealed to the community to trace their roots and venture into agricultural activities to produce enough food for their households.

The community, he said should take advantage of government’s initiatives geared towards improving their livelihoods and venture into agriculture. Ends