07 Jan 2014

Residents of Okavango are optimistic of improved crop yields after the recent heavy rains in their district.

Kgosi Diteko Salepito said they might experience a great harvest if the rains continue. In an interview recently, Kgosi Salepito said he was happy that God had answered their prayers for rain.

He said it had been raining for the past two weeks with breaks to give people a chance to work their fields. Kgosi Salepito noted that some Okavango farmers had already ploughed their fields while some were still engaged in the process. However, he said the only hindrance was shortage of tractors.

He said pastures for domestic and wild animals would also improve. On other issues, he decried the fact that farmers could not use donkeys or cows for ploughing as they were unfit due to the previous year’s drought.

He applauded farmers who ploughed early, especially those who farmed alongside the river, saying they were already harvesting and selling their produce.

Kgosi Salepito said in his district people ploughed mainly maize in Gumare and surrounding areas, while from Etsha to Shakawe and the other side of the river, farmers were known for ploughing millet.

He also applauded President Lt Gen. Seretse Khama Ian Khama for mobilising Batswana to pray for rain. Mr Lepina Serara, a village elder, said he ploughed and was expecting an abundant harvest because of the good rains.

Mr Serara said he had been selling maize from his farm and hoped to make a profit from selling butternuts. He also said he hoped that poverty would be reduced in the area because of the expected good harvest. ENDS