21 Oct 2013

 Shortage of ploughing equipment has left some farmers in the Tswapong North less optimistic on their chances of  taking advantage of the early rains that are already being experienced in some parts of the country.

The residents raised their concerns during  kgotla meetings addressed by their  Member of Parliament, Mr Prince Maele, recently. They indicated  that they were not against the changes which were made by the government which compelled  farmers ploughing under the Integrated Support Programme for Arable Agriculture Development (ISPAAD) programme to row plant.

However, their main challenge was the unavailability of equipment needed for row planting. The residents said the situation was not helped by the fact that the rains had become scarce and unreliable.

Mr Baatweng Mabihi of Goosekgweng village said he found it hard to plough his field in the last ploughing season due to the unavailability of tractors. Another resident, Mr Modise Kaelo, concurred with Mr Mabihi saying  government should give them enough time to make preparations for row planting.

In response, Mr Maele said that the changes were not meant to punish the farmers but to help in increasing yields. He said the benefits of row planting compared to broadcasting were considered  when the decision on the new development was made. ENDS