22 Jan 2014

Batswana farmers have shown interest in ploughing through row planting method as opposed to broadcasting but have been frustrated by shortage of resources and lack of rainfall.

During a random interview recently, farmers indicated that although row planting produced good yield and saved seeds, factors beyond their control forced them to resort to broadcasting method.

Mr Tlhalosang Sedimo who had intended to heed government’s call to use row planting method was compelled to broadcasting method because they received rains late. He also noted that row planting is critical as it increases rapid plant growth, whilst broadcasted ones grow at a very slow rate because they compete for water.

Though ploughing season in the southern region is nearing an end, another farmer Mr Tlhomelang Tlhomelang of Dikhutsaneng lands in Gabane had not yet started planting due to shortage of fully equipped tractors. He stated that shortage of tractors equipped with planters was the main stumbling block.

Mr Tlhomelang noted that he has used broadcasting method in the previous years but has never harvested any good yield, and had intended to employ row planting method in the year 2013 ploughing season; however his efforts have been frustrated by shortage of planting machineries.  He said row planting is a beneficial method as it creates enough space for application of fertilisers and weeding to boost production.

Mr Tlhomelang stated that challenges with row planting were that tractor owners do not seem to be prepared to undertake row planting as they do not have the required equipment such as planters.

Other farmers from Ditlhakane lands also in Gabane who did not want to be named explained that though they were aware of the advantages of row planting they usually use broadcasting method because rains come late and there is also shortage of row planting equipment. Another farmer Mr Dumi Seaparaphathe said he has since ploughed in December but has not yet started planting also due to shortage of planters.

At the lands of Mmopane row planting method is a norm, as almost all the farmers applied it. According to Mr Nathan and Mrs Margaret Mazhinye of Mmopane row planting method is more beneficial, saying they can only use a 10kg bag of seeds on a hectare instead of two bags of 50 kg through broadcasting on a hectare. Mrs Mazhinye noted that on a row planted field, they can easily apply fertilisers, tilling, spray disinfectants and harvest a high yield.

Another Mmopane farmer, Mrs Diana Manthe who also apply row planting method described broadcasting as “a trial and error” type of farming, as the seeds can be thrown on to unfertilized soil. ENDS