08 Feb 2022

 District agricultural coordinator for Central District, Mr Obert Mabutha officially handed over the 5 444 hectare Molemo-Popagano cluster fence at Sefhophe.
He said the P2.1million fence was one of more than 18 cluster fences delivered by Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Security in the central district. He said over 41 000 hectares of land in the district had been clustered, of which Molemo-Popagano covered about 5 444 hectares.

However Mr Mabutha raised concern over under utilisation of clustered farms adding that the most common challenge contributing to low utilisation was that most fields had been abandoned.
Molemo-Popagano cluster, he said was no exception to this as only 1 299 hactres of land was cultivated, explaining that in 2020/21 ploughing season only 583 hectares were planted.

He explained that that the mandate of the ministry on clustering farms was to increase crop production by enabling easy provision of services, amongst them portable water, transport, extension services as well as to curb crop losses due to both livestock and wildlife damage.

He urged farmers and Selebi Phikwe Extension team to promote commercial farming at Molemo-Popagano cluster, adding that commercial farming would ensure employment as a result of ample agribusiness, and social up-liftment opportunities which included agro-tourism, transport and logistics, agro-processing, camping and other entertainment activities.He urged Sefhophe village authorities and committees to support the cluster fence management committee so to be able to spearhead innovative ideas that would enable its members to derive some benefits from the cluster.“Government’s key objective is that the money invested in communities must result in job creation. Entrepreneurial development and poverty eradication,” he said.

Chairperson of Molemo-Popagano cluster Mr Mookami Ben pleaded with members to commit to good care of the fence through routine maintenance.
He said there were sub-committees whose responsibility was to regularly monitor the fence and ensured that it was in good condition.

Mr Ben also urged members to pay the P50 joining fee and P20 annual fee which would be used to maintain the fence.
He said the cluster fence comprised 275 members, but raised concern over their level of commitment.He said some members failed to pay the agreed fees whilst some did not partake in activities regarding the cluster fence.

Mr Ben urged members to to support the cluster fence committee and ensured maximum usage of the clustered farm. ENDS