28 Apr 2024

Since time immemorial, rearing of livestock epitomised the lifestyle of a typical Motswana, and to date, many still rely on it for a living.

It is against this background that government continues to come up with programmes aimed at improving the agricultural sector, at the same time enhancing the livelihoods of Batswana.

Vice President Slumber Tsogwane, therefore, encouraged small-scale livestock farmers to take advantage of the newly launched Thuo Letlotlo for an upgrade.

He was speaking recently at a donation ceremony in the remote Kedia, where he gifted Mr Thaselo Itegeng a buck from his own kraal and a bag of feeds.

The donation followed a plea made by the beneficiary sometime back in a Kgotla meeting addressed by Mr Tsogwane in Kedia.

The Vice President who is also Member of Parliament for Boteti West said the beneficiary could apply for Thuo Letlotlo and get assistance to purchase breeding stock and handling facilities among others.

Acting District Agricultural Coordinator for Boteti, Mr Thomo Rantudu highlighted that Mr Itegeng was one of the LIMID beneficiaries who received 16 goats including a buck in 2019.

Unfortunately the buck is said to have died in 2021.

He said it was pleasing to see Mr Itegeng having stood the test of time and still breeding, adding such devoted farmers deserved continued government support.

At some point, the beneficiary is said to have sold six goats and bought a cow, a sign Mr Rantudu said indeed programmes such as LIMID changed lives of some Batswana for the better.

In his words of appreciation, the beneficiary made no attempt to conceal his delight, he was all smiles. 

He thanked Mr Tsogwane for the gift, adding that the buck would enhance quality of his breed. 

Mr Itegeng however decried high levels of salt where he is watering his animals. Ends