Africa-Press – Botswana. President Advocate Duma Boko has urged farmers to adopt innovative technologies in livestock production.
The President, who gave a keynote address at Kaka Farmers Association Fields Day on July 12, said embracing such advancements could boost production and ensure sustainability within the sector.
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to advancing agricultural practices nationwide.
The President also announced ongoing efforts to establish comprehensive Agriculture Centres of Excellence across various districts, aimed at providing relevant expertise to farmers.
Recognising the longstanding commitment of Batswana to farming, he stressed the need to enhance expertise and collaborate on strategies to revitalise livestock production and address current obstacles.
He also emphasised the importance of a transformational approach across sectors to foster innovation and improve service delivery.
President Boko also raised concern over the declining cattle herd, which has fallen from over three million to about one million. He underscored the importance of integrating technology, such as genetic improvement through artificial insemination, to restore the sector’s vitality.
This approach, he said, could improve herd health, disease resistance and meat quality, ultimately strengthening food security.
“The decrease in livestock production is a matter of national concern. If we do not address these challenges sustainably, we risk reliance on beef imports, which could impact our economy and livelihoods,” he said.
Still at the event, President Boko commended women at the Kaka Farming Association for their pioneering role in a traditionally male-dominated field, emphasising the importance of female empowerment in agriculture and community development.
For his part, Mr Mbiganyi Tlhalerwa, chairperson of the Kaka Farmers Association, highlighted livestock rearing’s role in fostering agricultural resilience and economic diversification in the Boteti region.
However, he pointed out challenges such as veldt fires, poor infrastructure and communication issues that hindered progress, calling for collaborative efforts to support farming initiatives.
Farmers like Mr Ntshambiwa Moatlhodi added their voices to the call for development, requesting the establishment of an abattoir for small stock in the Boteti region.
He explained that the area’s favourable vegetation supported small stock farming and a dedicated slaughter facility would improve sanitary standards, create better markets and boost economy.
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