Africa-Press – Botswana. President Advocate Duma Boko has encouraged farmers to adopt innovative technologies in livestock production and rearing.
Officiating at the Kaka Farmers Association Field Day on July 12, President Boko said through embracing such advancements, farmers could enhance their productivity and sustainability in the sector.
He also expressed concern over the decline in cattle production, down to about one million herd from over three million in previous years, and emphasised the importance of integrating technology into livestock production to revitalise the sector.
He said the approach would serve as a sustainable measure to the dwindling numbers, thereby strengthening the local cattle industry and enhancing food security for all.
President Boko highlighted genetic improvement through artificial insemination, which enhanced genetic diversity, improved herd quality and better understanding of genetics.
He said the approach could lead to improved cattle traits such as disease resistance and high-quality beef production as well as improved herd welfare, which could contribute to sustainability within the sector.
“The decrease in livestock production is a matter of collective concern that extends beyond agriculture; it affects our overall food security. If the challenges are not addressed sustainably, there may be a risk to reliance on beef imports, and this will significantly impact our economy and the livelihoods of our dedicated farmers,” he said.
President Boko further assured the farming community of the government’s unwavering commitment to advancing agricultural practices across the country, acknowledging the sector’s potential for fostering economic diversification.
He said government was making concerted efforts to establish comprehensive Agriculture Centres of Excellence across various districts, designed to provide invaluable expertise in numerous farming activities.
Recognising the longstanding commitment of Batswana to agricultural pursuits, President Boko noted the importance of enhancing expertise and other collaborative development of strategies aimed at revitalising livestock production within the sector to overcome current obstacles.
For his part, Kaka Farmers Association chairperson, Mr Mbiganyi Tlhalerwa, noted the vital role of livestock rearing in fostering agricultural resilience and promoting sustainable economic diversification within the Boteti region and the broader national landscape.
However, despite the promising prospects of livestock production, Mr Tlhalerwa expressed concerns about several external challenges that hindered progress, citing veld fires, poor roads and channels of communication amongst others.
In light of these issues, he pleaded for collaborative measures tailored to support agricultural initiatives.
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