05 Dec 2022

President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi recently donated a Simmental bull to Mr Sekele Nkaletsa of Maretshwane cattle post in Kgalagadi District.

President Masisi said Mr Nkaletsa deserved the gift given his commitment and  dedicated efforts in contributing to food security.

He commended Maretshwane cattle post syndicate for keeping the environment clean and encouraged them to continue with the good work as it was healthy for the beef industry.

Government, President Masisi said, had embarked on a journey to meet high levels of out-put in agriculture.

Through improved Artificial Insemination (AI) programme, farmers will access the best bull genetics across the globe.

And the President said plans were afoot to buy quality semen from other countries to improve pedigree of beef cattle, adding that would also be done to improve small stock.

He encouraged beneficiaries not to sell donated bulls so as to reach optimum levels in productivity and sustainability.

For his part, Mr Nkaletsa said he was delighted to have been chosen to receive such a gracious gift and assured the President that he would take good care of the bull.

He said vaccination, proper feeding as well as liaising with veterinary experts were critical to cattle farming.

Mr Nkaletsa said he spent years without a bull and relied on other farmers, therefore he was thankful to receive a gift from the President saying it it came at an opportune time.

Mr Nkaletsa, who started from humble beginnings with four cattle in 1996, soldiered on until in 2000 when he solicited funds from National Development Bank (NDB) to purchase 16 heifers.

He sells to butcheries, feedlots, Citizen Entrepreneurial Development Agency (CEDA) and Youth Development Fund (YDF) beneficiaries.

He has 25 small stock, 10 goats and 15 sheep as well as seven horses.

The Minister of Agriculture, Mr Fidelis Molao, said in order to address the root causes of hunger, poverty and malnutrition, government was working hard to improve the quality of cattle herd.

Mr Molao said for the cattle industry to improve, there was need to exercise good care so that a substantial number of cattle could reproduce every year without fail thus boosting food security and self-sufficiency in food production.

He also advised farmers to engage agricultural experts at all times to improve the agricultural sector. Minister Molao said his ministry had enhanced the efficiency of AI facilities around the country to allow small farmers to have access to superior bulls and assist in improving the quality of the national herd.

Mr Molao encouraged Batswana to build cattle crushes at their respective areas to enable them to benefit from AI services.

Kgalagadi North MP, Ms Talita Monnakgotla ssaid agriculture was pivotal in rural economies and presented opportunities for residents to improve their livelihoods.

She said the President’s bull initiative was a sign that the leadership was committed in ensuring that Botswana surged forward, adding no one should be left behind in building a wealthy and prosperous Botswana. ENDS