Africa-Press – Botswana. Two farmers in the Maun region and a cluster of farmers in the Okavango region are the latest beneficiaries of President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi’s bull donation initiative.
The beneficiaries were Mr Olebile Radipitse of Nxabe Cattle Post near Shorobe in Maun East constituency, Mr Keotile Molefhe of Tsutsubega Cattle Post in Maun West as well as Ipopeng cluster consisting of 18 farmers in Eretsha.
The initiative is intended to increase the national herd and quality in line with the Vision 2036 pillar of prosperity for all.
Speaking during the handing over of a red Brahman in Eretsha on Saturday, President Masisi urged the cluster farmers to take care of their cattle and to employ good management practices combined with technology for better results.
He said the bull was meant to help them improve their breed.
“This gift is not from government, but a donation on behalf of other Batswana to encourage farmers who are making an effort,” he said.
In Maun West constituency, President Masisi told Mr Molefhe that the donation was meant to cultivate the spirit of compassion and to assist those who needed support. Mr Molefhe thanked President Masisi and government for changing his life.
For his part, Mr Radipitse said the simmental bull he received would improve his livestock.
Ipopeng cluster chairperson, Mr Monnaaleso Sianga, said farmers in one of the remotest parts of the country appreciated the donation and encouragement from the country’s leadership.
He said they experienced a challenge of lions that devoured their cattle and shortage of water for livestock.
The Minister of Agriculture, Mr Fidelis Molao, encouraged farmers to make use of the ear tag system as it assisted in the tracing of animals when lost.
Mr Molao also said Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) vaccine compliance was low in the Okavango area, but it was prone to disease outbreaks.
He applauded Ipopeng farmers for successfully forming a cluster, saying farmers countrywide should emulate them.
Okavango MP, Mr Kenny Kapinga said the dip tank method should be explored to fight tick-borne diseases.
He encouraged farmers to dip their animals, vaccinate them as well as to brand them to facilitate easy tracing.
Maun East MP, Mr Goretetse Kekgonegile expressed concern that tick-borne diseases, which had affected areas such as Tubu, Nokaneng and Danega, would result in high mortalities.
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