Botswana: The President of Botswana, Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi, said Botswana should be a leader in the production of livestock and small genetic material in Africa. He said this during the Small Stock Management Day held at Lemunolentshu Ranch on Saturday.
President Masisi said Government will therefore continue to create an enabling environment conducive to Botswana’s thriving. He said improvements were done at the Ramatlabama Artificial Insemination Centre and the procurement of equipment to produce livestock straws are evidence of the Government’s dedication.
President Masisi called on farmers to embrace technology in their farming activities, citing water extraction from the sky through solar at the Lobu Farm in the Kgalagadi District as an example. Dr Masisi said Government is committed to assisting Batswana to realize its food security status hence the initiative to increase access to land. He said his Government is in the process of engaging landowners with unutilized land for the purpose of redistribution.
“Botswana must be the centre of production of quality meat, be it livestock or small stock, and we will bring the first world industry to our farms, including the start-ups,” said President Masisi.
The Small Stock Management Day was organized by the South District Beef Farmers Association and was hosted by the Mohutsiwa Family at their ranch. Held under the theme “Unlocking Value in Small Stock Farming”, the event was intended to empower existing and upcoming farmers with the necessary skills and expertise in small stock management.
The workshop kind of event included topics such as Small stock management; small-stock common diseases and treatment; small-stock feeding regime; breed adaptation; market requirements; efficacy of livestock guarding dogs, among others. The event also included a small-stock demonstration and concluded with an auction sale.
The event was graced by the Minster of Entrepreneurship, Mr Karabo Gare; Minster of Agriculture, Mr Fidelis Molao and Minster of Foreign Affairs, Dr Lemogang Kwape. Also in attendance were Chief Executive Officers of CEDA, LEA, BMC, agriculture industry players, and farmers.
