17 Jun 2024

Minister of Agriculture Mr Fidelis Molao urged small-scale farmers to focus on livestock management and crop diversification to boost production. 

Speaking during the ninth edition of Mookane farmers’ day at Rankgaphane cattle post near Mookane, the minister highlighted the importance of agricultural government assistance programmes and emphasised the need for hard work to improve livelihoods.

The newly launched Thuo-Letlotlo and Temo-Letlotlo programmes operate on a production-based output motivation system to enhance food security. 

Minister Molao stressed the potential of these programmes in strengthening food security and promoting good livestock management through agricultural diversification and climate-smart technologies.

Temo Letlotlo, he said was a multi-sectoral program intended to regenerate arable farming towards a more commercial approach, and use agriculture as a driving force to attain the country’s high income status.

Regarding Temo Letlotlo, Minister Molao said it would promote household food security by ensuring that micro-scale farmers produce enough to contribute significantly to household food consumption needs, as well as promote commercial production.

“Temo Letlotlo, a multi-sectoral programmes, aims to shift arable farming towards a commercial approach, utilising agriculture to drive the nation towards high-income status. The programme focuses on promoting household food security, commercial production, and inclusivity in agricultural production,” he said.

Minister Molao highlighted the mindset change encouraged by these initiatives, promoting self-reliance and the belief in Batswana’s potential to produce food independently.

He said government remain committed to developing the beef industry value chain to create more opportunities in the sector.

Mr Molao said the national food security component provided seasonal loans to individual small-scale, medium-scale, and large-scale farmers through the National Development Bank. Additionally, he said  Temo Letlotlo programme offered a 50 per cent subsidy for fencing, tractors, and ploughing implements to encourage progression among farmers.

He said President Dr Mokgweetsi  Masisi’s mindset change campaign aimed to drive transformation in attitudes and perspectives, pushing for a productive shift in the agricultural sector. 

The government, he said  continued to show strong support for farmers and vows to create more opportunities for all to benefit and adopt.

Therefore, he encouraged  farmers to share information and form strong associations to influence programmes and policies. 

For his part, Minister of Entrepreneurship, Mr Karabo Gare, emphasised the significant role agriculture playsed in diversifying the economy and achieving food self-sufficiency. 

He advised farmers to practice smart agriculture to mitigate the impacts of climate change and urged stakeholders to work collectively to empower farmers.

Agricultural shows were highlighted as essential platforms for knowledge-sharing, marketing, and networking opportunities for farmers. 

Mr Gare emphasised the availability of government programmes for farmers and urged them to embrace opportunities like Chema-Chema, Thuo Letlotlo, and Temo Letlotlo to enhance their livelihoods. 

He cautioned against misinformation regarding loan repayments, urging farmers to utilise available resources to improve their lives. Ends