04 Oct 2023

The month of October marks the beginning of the ploughing season in Botswana. This is the time when farmers across the country start preparing their fields for planting, a task that has been practised since Batswana started growing crops.

In the coming months, the sound of ploughs turning the earth will fill the air, and the fields will be filled with the promise of the bountiful harvests.

In the local culture, traditional leaders have to declare the beginning of the ploughing season, a practice which underscores the importance of agriculture to the nation.

Kgosi Simon Nkgageng of Tati Siding will officially declare the ploughing season on October 1 at his main kgotla in Tati Siding.

He explained that this is a time when farmers are directed to go and prepare their land for cultivation, fertilizing and clearing of weeds.

Kgosi Nkgageng said the specific dates of the ploughing season may vary depending on the climate and the crops being grown.

“Generally, it is a time of intense activity on the farm, as everyone works together to get the land ready for the new growing season. The ploughing season is also seen as a symbolic time of renewal and hope,” said Kgosi Nkgageng.

He explained that in most cases, traditional leaders scatter seeds at the main kgotla, which is the meeting place of a village or community as a symbol of the beginning of the ploughing season and the hope for a good harvest.

“It also represents the fertility and abundance of the land and scattering the seeds at the main kgotla  is not only a public declaration of commencement of the ploughing season, but also an invitation to the entire community to take part in the planting process and share in the harvest,” said Kgosi Nkgageng. Tonota’s traditional leader, Kgosi Bokamoso Radipitse concurred and added at the same time traditional leaders would issue a warning to cattle farmers to look after their animals so that they do not destroy crops, thereby leading to unnecessary conflicts.

“Looking after animals is an important aspect of responsible farming, and is especially important during the ploughing season when there is a lot of activity in the fields,” said Kgosi Radipitse.

He said by taking care of their animals, farmers prevent them from roaming into other people’s fields and damaging crops.

He explained that generally, the declaration of the ploughing season is attended by everyone but most of the people think that it is an activity of the elderly, which he said is “wrong”.

Kgosi Radipitse indicated that for generations, Batswana have relied on the declaration of the ploughing season as a time to come together as a community and prepare for the planting season.

“This tradition is a source of pride and identity for the people of Botswana, and it will continue to be passed down from one generation to the next,” said Kgosi Radipitse. Ends