19 Jun 2022

President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi has appealed to Batswana to develop the spirit of philanthropy in order to improve cattle production in the country. 

The said this when donating a Sherlyn bull to Mr Selatlhwane Dithabela of Matebele lands near Pitseng. 

He urged all citizens and residents of the country to play their part in lending a hand, adding that it was in line with Vision 2036 as it espoused improving beef production increasing income per animal sold as well as improving its value chains. 

President Masisi said as the champion of Vision 2036, his mission was to demonstrate and strive to be exemplary with regard to what was expected. 

“This move is in line with the vision, mission goals and aspirations of Vision 2036 transformation agenda aimed towards transforming Botswana from an upper middle-income country to a high-income, country which will in the process create broad prosperity for all,” he said. 

Dr Masisi called on more Batswana to donate good quality breeds. “For this to succeed there is need for all to play a determined role in ensuring that we uplift those around us who are underprivileged,” he said. 

He said his desire was to ensure that the initiative became a learning curve for the nation so that more could in turn assist others who were in need. 

“I want this to be a lesson to all of us so that we can assist those who are close to us with either a chicken, goat or donkey,” he said. 

He noted that a Sherlyn bull was a distinct breed that offered high fertility, high genetic value and important characteristics such as growth, calving ease, maternal value and carcass quality. 

He commended Mr Selatlhwane for his patience and determination in farming, having started in the 1970’s. 

“I would like to thank Mr Selatlwane for demonstrating outstanding performance and good management in his cattle post amid challenges and without giving-up,” he said. 

He urged him to take proper care of the bull, to produce feeds and to ensure that it served the purpose. 

He added that he was optimistic that, if well taken care of, the bull would in turn not only improve the cattle genetics in the farm, but would also increase his profits and those of his neighbours. 

Assistant Minister of Agricultural Development and Food Security, Mr Molebatsi Molebatsi thanked President Masisi for ensuring that there was improvement in cattle productivity by donating pedigree bulls to improve the genetics through the bull initiative. 

He said the initiative was geared towards boosting the declining cattle population in the country, which was a major challenge. 

Mr Molebatsi advised recipients to look after the bulls for them to be productive and assist in the increase of the national herd as well as creat wealth for themselves. 

He said his ministry continued to offer artificial insemination services to farmers who desired to improve their livestock. 

The programme would soon include new breeds. 

“We are concerned about the declining number of the cattle population. However, we are quite hopeful that initiatives such as this will help boost the cattle population,” he said. Ends