Africa-Press – Botswana. President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi is expected to grace the Southern District Beef Farmers’ Association field day tomorrow on the second day of the event billed for Naledi Farms.
Minister of Entrepreneurship, Mr Karabo Gare is scheduled to open the two-day event which commences today.
Themed: Increasing the national herd, unpacking the beef value chain, is considered an opportunity for pastoral farmers to showcase their animals, benchmark and exchange ideas on livestock production best practices.
In an interview on Wednesday, the association’s chairperson, Mr Mosimanegape Mophuting said 33 kraals had been constructed at the venue, near Sese junction at Camp View Stables.
He said Ministry of Agriculture’s animal production division had constructed a cattle crush in the area for demonstrating artificial breeding and insemination.
The event also includes a public auction.
Mr Mophuting said the association’s members contributed significantly to food production and security through cattle sales to BMC which then exported to the European Union, South Africa and Norway.
He disclosed that BMC had been accredited to export beef to the United Arab Emirates with effect from March 19.
Mr Mophuting said the association sold mostly live weaners to South Africa through feed lotters who then enhanced the animal’s grade prior to selling.
He said the association’s five year-goal was to significantly increase cattle herd through different avenues such as breeding and artificial insemination, conducting pregnancy tests in ranches and encouraging Batswana to join the association so as to have better access services.
Ngwaketse West animal production officer, Mr James Montshioa said the department would demonstrate breeding and artificial insemination at the event to impart skills to farmers.
It was also a way of encouraging beef producers to conduct the operations at their own ranches and provide the services to other farmers for a fee.
Mr Montshioa said artificial insemination helped to increase cattle herd and quality.
He said the field day would help to advertise farmers.
The official said Ngwaketse West, comprising 48 operational commercial ranches, was doing well in beef production.
He said the area produced more cattle than any other in the Southern District.
Noting that agricultural activities were the mainstay of local economies, he challenged farmers to improve herd management to optimise output.
Farmers were also encouraged to supplement grazing with forage, vaccinate their livestock and undertake dipping.
Mr Montshioa challenged Batswana to explore cattle production value chains so as to improve the economic landscape in their respective areas.
Naledi Farms are also known for high yields in arable farming more especially maize, cowpeas and other cash crops such as pumpkin.
Ngwaketse West crop production officer, Mr Suberee Kapeko said the farms’ arable production averaged 20 bags per hectare with the area cultivating between 400 to 500 hectares every cropping season.
He said some horticulturalists in the area had great potential and expressed optimism that the goal of attaining food security in the country was achievable.
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