17 Jan 2024

Despite the delayed rainy season, farmers in the Goodhope district are actively registering for the new Ttemo Letlotlo program.

In an interview Acting District Agricultural Coordinator for Good Hope, Mr Phetogo Molefi, indicated that at least 2 627 farmers had already signed up for the programme. Out of this number, 1 215 had their grants approved, while 501 were still awaiting land title or ownership.

Mr  Molefi mentioned that 65 tons of fertilizer had been distributed to 162 farmers on a micro scale.

Additionally, due to the high number of farmers registering for the programme, he said his office had hired 22 agricultural demonstrators who were deployed throughout the district to assist farmers.

Notably, the MOSISEDI cluster had already planted over 10 000 hectares between six farmers.

 Despite the delayed rains, both the office and farmers are working diligently to ensure assistance is provided in a timely manner before the ploughing season ends.

Furthermore, under the tractor and implement subsidy, 14 farmers have been approved, with 2 already receiving tractors. 

The first farmer to be issued a tractor in Botswana under Temo Letlotlo is Mr Thuso Tshikantwa from Kanngwe village.

Mr.Molefi also reported a positive uptake for the fencing subsidy, with three farmers approved so far. 

He did, however, note that there were a few challenges. 

He said the system had not yet classified other farmers, which has led to delays in grant distribution. Transportation also posed a challenge, despite other departments pledging three cars out of the 15 requested. Ends