14 Jun 2022

Beef farmers have been implored to revitalise their enterprise by tapping into other income- generating avenues.

Officiating at Charleshill agricultural show themed ‘’Agriculture, a Way of Life to Attract Tourism Investment and Boost Economy,’’ Charleshill farmer, Mr John Tidi said as farmers continued to enjoy the improving beef market, they should consider attaining additional income streams.

Mr Tidi said the move would go a long way in improving their business sustainability and stimulate the economy.

He told Charleshill farmers that their proximity to Trans-Kalahari high way and Mamuno border post presented an opportunity for farmers to seek diversification and cross -border trade feasibility.

Mr Tidi said, for instance, a farmer operating a horse stud may also consider having accommodation facility to rent out.

Farmers were also encouraged to consider utilising portions of their farms for game farming.

Furthermore, Mr Tidi encouraged upcoming farmers to normalise benchmarking.

For his part, Charleshill show committee chairperson, Mr Issac Katjinotjiwa said Charleshill farmers had a competitive edge, particularly that they were near the Trans-Kalahari highway and then Namibian border.

Giving an overview of farming in the region, Ghanzi agricultural officer, Mr Patrick Boitshwarelo said Ghanzi region had potential to be self-sufficient, as the area was doing well in horticultural as well as beef production.

Mr Boitshwarelo said slightly below 70 000 cattle from Ghanzi District had been sold through live cattle export dispensation through which Botswana had taken over the South African market from Namibia. ENDS