01 Dec 2022

Two farmers in the Lerala/Maunatlala and Sefhare/Ramokgonami constituencies have added to the swelling number of the bull donation initiative beneficiaries.

The duo of Mr Molebi Moilwa, 57, of Nakatsakgong cattle post in Lerala/Maunatlala and 73-year-old Mr Botshelo Koobokile of Ngwapa 1 cattle post in Sefhare/Ramokgonami yesterday became the initiative’s 13th and 14th beneficiaries.

Presenting the gift in Lerala/Maunatlala, President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi reiterated that the initiative was aimed at improving beef quality and increasing the national cattle herd.

The President applauded farmers who had come on board by donating bulls, saying he already had enough to cover all the remaining constituencies.

President Masisi encouraged Mr Moilwa to take good care of the bull for it to improve and increase his herd and those of farmers in his cluster.

Thanking the President, Mr Moilwa, who was accompanied by wife, Tshoki, said he grew his herd through proceeds from construction career.

 He promised to share his bull with other farmers in his cluster.

In Sefhare Ramokgonami, President Masisi donated a heifer to Mr Koobokile of Ngwapa 1 cattle post and said the fact that Mr Koobokile inherited his livestock from his parents was proof that cattle rearing was a source of livelihood for many generations of Batswana.

He encouraged Mr Koobokile to continue with the same spirit and to be optimistic that his cattle rearing endeavour would ultimately reward him.

Mr Koobokile thanked President Masisi for the gift promising to look after it to ensure that it improved the quality of his livestock and increased his herd.

He praised the initiative and expressed elation at being one of the beneficiaries.

In his remarks, Minister of Agriculture, Mr Fidelis Molao said Mr Moilwa’s bull was a Simbrah, a cross breed between Simmental and Brahman, while Mr Koobokile had been gifted with a Brahman heifer.

Minister Molao encouraged the two farmers to work closely with district veterinary officers and also to keep records of their cattle and related activities.

For her part, the national planning commission monitoring and evaluation director, Ms Koontse Mokgwathi said the initiative was in line with the National Vision 2036 aspiration of leaving no one behind.

The bull donation initiative is led by President Masisi in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture. ENDS