10 Jul 2022

Future Genetics Group, an initiative that promotes stud breeding, will help to arrest the worrisome decline in livestock population and improve production, says Assistant Minister of Agriculture, Mr Molebatsi Molebatsi.

Speaking during Future Genetics Group field day in Kgagodi on Saturday, Mr Molebatsi said government was concerned about the declining numbers with the current cattle population at 2.1 million.

He explained that the current national calving rate was low at 43 and 36.7 per cent for cattle and small stock respectively against the international target of 80 per cent.

“These low birth rates as performance indicators for productivity are worrisome and we need urgent interventions from all players in the livestock sector,” he said.

Mr Molebatsi, therefore, hailed the initiative and said it would not only promote production of high quality genetic material livestock, but also enhance participation in the global market through export of high quality genetics in the form of either semen, embryos or livestock.

 He also said the initiative was in line with government strategy that promoted production of high quality genetics that would eventually increase livestock productivity and the national herd.

He said the ministry had taken the decision to refurbish and upgrade Ramatlabama National Artificial Insemination Laboratory to become a centre of excellence for cattle and small stock reproduction technologies as part of the efforts to assist farmers.

“This facility shall offer training on artificial insemination, distribute high quality semen and embryos to our farming communities and even for export market,” he said.

Furthermore, Mr Molebatsi explained that government had identified smallstock production as one of the breakthrough areas that could contribute significantly to agricultural growth and improve national food security.

He said the sub-sector was being resuscitated with a specific objective of increasing the profitability of smallstock operations, creating jobs and investment opportunities for the citizens and transforming the country into a smallstock hub.

Furthermore, he said government would continue to assist farmers through agricultural support programmes such as Livestock Management and Infrastructure Programme (LIMID). 

LIMID has provisions to assist farmers with livestock handling facilities, livestock water supply infrastructure including other farming support infrastructure.

For his part, chairperson of Future Genetics Group, Mr Rex Mothobi added that the company would help improve livestock production in the Central District, adding that it also intended to encourage young people to venture into livestock production.

He said the group would hold an agricultural show next year.

Mr Mothobi also encouraged young farmers and those who aspired to venture into agriculture to do their best and minimise dependence on government.

Mr Mothobi called for the increase of smallstock prices under LIMID, adding that P1 000 was too low a price.

He said currently local farmers, through the Presidential small stock initiative, were working round the clock to improve the quality of their smallstock.

He also pleaded with the Ministry of Agriculture to prioritise passionate farmers in the allocation of previously government-owned farms.

Future Genetics Group is made up of seven livestock stud breeders from Mahalapye, Maphashalala, Palla Road, Paje, Tshimoyapula and Kgagodi. 

The group recently donated a bull in support of the Presidential bull donation initiative aimed at empowering farmers to increase their herds and improve their breed quality. Ends