26 Aug 2021

Masunga cluster farmers have embarked on an initiative to install cattle grids on all farm entrances to deter livestock from trespassing into their farms. 

In an interview, Vice chairperson of the project, Ms Dimakatso Masunga stated that the initiative followed an outcry that farmers in Masunga and neighbouring villages opened the gates to graze their livestock in the farms. 

She said as a result, farmers lost a lot of harvest due to cattle and donkeys ravaging their crops, adding that some people even vandalise the fence to pave way for their cattle to graze in the farms. 

Ms Masunga said that cattle grids served as barriers for livestock as their hooves could get stuck in the rails if they attempted to cross into the farms. 

She highlighted that cattle grids had proved successful in other farms across the country. 

The vice chairperson said their aim was to continue educating farmers against grazing their livestock in fields as it could also bring in foreign weeds. 

She said smart farming practices required that after harvest, farmers should cut crop reeds, grind and feed to livestock in kraals instead of at the farms. 

She further highlighted that so far, they had installed cattle grids at three gates with only two remaining. 

Ms Masunga said cluster farmers had contributed funds for the grids. She said  the money was however not enough and BITRI came on board to assist. 

She said BITRI had been their partner for some time, having sponsored over 20 farmers for courses and smart farming practices over the years. 

Ms Masunga stated that in future, they would like to connect water and electricity on the farm, for farmers with smart machinery to carry out activities in one place. ENDS