Africa-Press – Botswana. The bull donation drive recently took President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi to Kgatleng, Tlokweng and Ramotswa regions where he explained that the initiative, which began in April 2022, was part of his vision for a prosperous and wealthy Botswana.
“We want to make all of you Vision 2036 champions. That’s what I want for you. I want you to be rich and prosper. And I’m speaking to every Motswana because a Motswana is good at rearing cattle,” he told one of the latest four beneficiaries of the initiative recently.
The President said he had aspirations to close the gap between the haves and the have nots supported by Vision 2036 pillars which envisioned transformation to a high income country underpinned by inclusive and sustainable growth.
He said improvement of livestock rearing formed part of economic diversification and would contribute to the realisation of the vision.
The cattle industry, he said, had great potential for economic growth.
Dr Masisi said the initiative was aimed at improving local cattle genetics and increasing the declining cattle population as well as improving beef quality.
The President has urged Batswana to adopt the spirit of giving to the less privileged saying the national herd and income levels could only improve if citizens assisted their compatriots.
Presenting a Simmental bull to Mr Moseletsane Kutlapye of Matlhagare lands near Artesia, President Masisi acknowledged that the spirit of giving already existed in Botswana.
He explained that the bull came from a Ghanzi farmer.
The President encouraged other farmers to donate bulls for the generation of wealth for the nation.
President Masisi has also implored farmers to take advantage of the artificial insemination initiative to improve breed quality and consequently increase the national herd.
Mr Lapologang Bogatsu, 55, of Majeadikgokong cattle post in the Tlokweng constituency was commended for taking his farming enterprise seriously. President Masisi encouraged him to preserve and sell the bull’s semen.
Expressing gratitude, Mr Bogatsu said his dream of owning a pedigree bull had finally come true.
He also thanked the agriculture ministry for the benchmarking opportunities it had afforded him.
Mr Bogatsu said he spent 90 per cent of his free time at his cattle post.
Another beneficiary, 67-year-old Ms Francinah Maotwe promised to be neighbourly by giving other farmers access to the bull.
A member of Ditshetshwana farming syndicate near Malolwane, Ms Maotwe reckoned since she had benefited, she had to return the favour by sharing her newly acquired white Brahman pedigree bull with others.
“I feel honoured to receive a bull from the President. I shall name it Bokamoso,” said Ms Maotwe.
Dr Masisi encouraged the beneficiary to harvest semen and preserve it for future use.
Mochudi East MP, Mr Mabuse Pule implored residents to be vigilant against rustlers.
He also urged them to assist Ms Maotwe in caring for the bull so that it benefited the whole community.
Kgatleng District animal production officer, Dr Samuel Pjetjoo described Ms Maotwe as an astute farmer who started cattle rearing in 1992 with her husband and continued even after his death in 1996. She has grown her herd from 11 to 24.
At Metsimaswaane, the President encouraged Mr Moeletsi Moeletsi, who had been gifted with a Simbra bull, to tap into the expertise of AI camps and set up his own so as to assist other farmers and maximize outputs and profits.
Saying he was lost for words for receiving such a present, Mr Moeletse nevertheless thanked the President for his magnanimity and promised to grow the breed and assist others to do the same.
Minister of Agriculture Mr Fidelis Molao encouraged farmers to take care of their livestock, register them and keep records which he said was a prerequisite for the lucrative export market and also in livestock management.
Mr Moeletsi was encouraged to take advantage of the Ramatlabama AI camp which offered knowledge and skills for breed improvement.
The former combi man used his earnings from the transport business to venture into cattle farming some 40 years ago.
He started farming at Maephatlele, Kweneng District but relocated to Metsimaswaane after experiencing high cattle mortality. Mr Moeletsi assured President Masisi that he would take good care of the bull and ensure that his neighbours also benefitted from it.
Mr Molao explained that the selection of beneficiaries was done by his ministry.
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