04 Oct 2023

Communities in Ga-Mmangwato have been urged to plough massively in order to boost food security and self-sufficiency in Botswana.

Commissioning the 2023/24 ploughing season on Sunday, Ga-Mmangwato deputy chief, Kgosi Serogola Seretse wished his subjects a bumper harvest.

He expressed optimism that God as the rain maker would provide abundant rain, to enable farmers to contribute significantly to the national grain and food production, adding rain a symbolised blessings.

Kgosi Seretse advised Ba Ga-Mmangwato to prepare for the 2023/24 ploughing and cropping season well in advance if they were to catch the first and early rains for better yields.

He encouraged farmers to service tractors and prepare draught power and other farming implements well on time.

Employ improved farming techniques to increase productivity and minimise labour time and costs, and maintain equipment to avoid unnecessary costs, Kgosi Seretse said.

He also advised farmers to fence their fields to avoid destruction by animals and also to avert human/animals conflict.

Kgosi Seretse implored farmers to seek advice from agricultural extension officers on how they could optimise yield, taking into account the reality of climate change.

He said arbitration matters had been halted until January next year in favour of the cropping season.

As for marriages registration, he said the practice will continue as per Sengwato culture unlike in other cultures whereby marriage registrations were also halted.

Serowe Ministers fraternal chairperson, Pastor Karabo Koosimile said he trusts in God to provide rain.

He quoted a Biblical verse; “If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sins and heal their land.”

It is our hope and prayer that there would be plenty of rain to boost food-security and self-sufficiency in the country.

Pastor Koosimile though expressed concern that the ever-changing climatic conditions posed a threat to food security. But he believed that God was in control. Ends