Africa-Press – Botswana. The bull donation initiative that seeks to boost the declining cattle population in Botswana and also revive the cattle industry, continues to twirl as President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi gifts yet another set of farmers in Lesilakgokong, Dimawe and Poana cattleposts.
At Lesilakgokong yesterday, President Masisi gifted 78-year-old Mr Mogae Phage a Charolais bull to appreciate his dedication in managing his farm, located at Mmammidi lands near Lesilakgokong in the Thamaga/Kumakwane constituency.
A number of farmers from nearby lands had also gathered at Mmammidi to witness the President’s gesture towards Mr Phage, who was hand-picked to receive the bull because of his hard work.
“We have come to donate this bull to set an example and encourage others to do the same and even more,” President Masisi said.
The President also encouraged budding farmers to take livestock farming seriously and employ modern farming methods and technologies so that the sector became sustainable.
For his part, Acting Minister of Agriculture, Mr Molebatsi Molebatsi said Batswana should be thankful for having a President who had passion for farming because that would result in many other farmers strive to not only increase their herds, but also improve their quality.
Receiving the gift, the Thamaga-born, a former miner in South Africa, was over joyed. “I am grateful to President Masisi.
I am thankful because sheer dedication, passion and good farm management practices have earned me this wonderful gift,” said Mr Phage, who retired early to focus solely on his farming enterprise.
He currently has over 60 cattle and in an interview, the joyful farmer said he bought his first batch of 25 cattle in 2005 while he was still working.
Over the years his herd increased to over 100. He now resides at his farm full time in order to make sure that he looked after his livestock.
Over the years he managed to build a permanent residence in the farm, bought various utility vehicles and machinery, thanks to proceeds he made from selling cattle.
Mr Phage now lives a comfortable life through farming, a decision he said he would never regret.
From Lesilakgokgong, President Masisi made a stopover at Dimawe cattlepost between Mmankgodi and Manyana in the Gabane/Mmankgodi constituency, where he donated a Simmental bull to 69-year-old Mr Patrick Mogorosi.
President Masisi praised Mr Mogorosi for his hard work and resilience and encouraged him to develop the spirit of sharing, saying once his stock had multiplied he should identify other Batswana to offer them its offspring.
“We want to develop you. We therefore encourage you to double your efforts and assist other Batswana.You are keeping a good breed here.
We want you to be exemplary to other Batswana who aspire to be like you,” said President Masisi, who highlighted that one of his reasons to donate bulls to Batswana was to realise the ideals of Vision 2036, which called for an economically inclusive society with provision of opportunities for all. “I am a champion of the vision, look up to me!” the President added.
For his part, Mr Molebatsi said the President’s bull donation initiative had assisted the ministry in its ambitions to boost the declining cattle population countrywide.
“The initiative is aligned to the idea of producing good breeds for the revival of the cattle industry, which had taken a knock over the past years,” Mr Molebatsi said.
Mr Mogorosi was thankful of the gift from President Masisi and promised to try out all avenues to reach lucrative and competitive markets overseas.
Conversely, the farmer decried the mogau plant in the area, which he said was reversing the farmers’ gains.
Ms Koontse Mokgwathi from the National Planning Commission office said the donation indicated government’s commitment to realising ideals of the national vision.
Ms Mokgwathi said such sectors as agriculture had a massive potential of diversifying the economy and creating employment for citizens.
The President’s last stop was at Poana cattlepost in the Lentsweletau/Mmopane constituency, where he gifted Mr Phillimon Kgakge, 65, a Simbrah bull, a blend of Simmental and Brahman.
Mr Kgakge started farming in 1978 with one cow he received from his father and managed to multiply his herd that had been his source of sustenance over the years; from building a home and raising school fees for his children to becoming one of the most successful farmers at Dipowa cattlepost.
Handing over the bull, President Masisi encouraged the spirit of giving and hand-holding to raise successful farmers.
The President was optimistic that the bull would improve the herd and would further benefit other farmers in the localities because it was drought resistant and meaty.
President Masisi encouraged attendants to tap on opportunities provided by government to improve their lives.
He cited the upcoming summit of Corporate Council of Africa to be hosted in Gaborone, as a platform to showcase what they had to the world.
The summit, he said, was a catalyst for opportunities.
He said he had told the world about Botswana’s ideals of good governance, respect for rule of law, and that it was a safe haven for investors, adding, “I have travelled around the world and laid a foundation for you. All you have to do is to work.”
Mr Kgakge named the gift bull Ya Motswana. He commended the President’s initiative and pledged to assist other farmers by letting the bull mate with their cows in order to improve their herd.
Lentsweletau/Mmopane MP, Ms Nnaniki Makwinja called on farmers in the area to resuscitate farm committees and cooperatives in order to share experiences, challenges and success stories.
Ms Makwinja thanked the President for availing such opportunities to the farming community, stating that Mr Kgakge was the second beneficiary in her constituency, following the previous ram donation at Kgope.
Senior veterinary officer, Mr Thabeng Nthebolang highlighted the importance of record keeping at farms as well as profiling the animals in order to track their performance, among others.
Mr Nthebolang also encouraged farmers to work hard in order to produce export quality.
He added that plans were underway to have farmers register their livestock to ensure the eligibility of their stock for international markets.
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