13 Jan 2025

As the rainy season takes hold across the country, farmers in Barolong Farms are working diligently to ensure they capitalise on the favorable weather conditions.

Agronomist Mr Kaone Mosarwa of Mosisedi Farms has expressed satisfaction with the progress being made in the fields. With the Meteorological Services predicting abundant rains for the season, farmers have taken the initiative to plant a wide array of crops.

“We have those who have decided to plant maize, sorghum, and legumes,” Mosarwa said.

He emphasised that the Mosisedi Farms area, recognised as a prime maize-producing region, has seen most farmers seize the advantageous shifting weather patterns.
However, Mr Mosarwa said some farmers were facing delays while others were still lagging behind.

Some farmers pointed  out that they were either waiting for their financiers or their payments arrived a bit late.

Among the farmers is Mr Tlhalefo Potso, who has successfully cultivated over 100 hectares and hopes to reach his goal of 200 hectares before the ploughing season concludes in February.

As a commercial farmer, Mr Potso proposed that the government could bolster their efforts by establishing an Agri-shop that provided necessary supplies throughout the planting season.

“The shop will have an agreement with the farmer, allowing them to receive what they need for ploughing, be it inputs, fertilisers, or seeds on credit, to be repaid after six months or at harvest time,” he suggested.

Mr Potso said the approach would not only save time for farmers but also provide vital support for communal farmers who often lacked access to necessary implements.

Most farmers in the Mosisedi cluster have indicated that their primary challenges include the delayed disbursement of seasonal loans from financiers and the difficulty in obtaining spare parts, which often need to be sourced from Gaborone or even South Africa. ENDS