04 Aug 2024

President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi yesterday gifted eight farmers bulls at his Mmatseta farm near Kopong.

President Masisi said the bulls brought to over 100, the number of livestock donated since the bull donation initiative started in April 2022.

The initiative is aimed at improving quality and increasing the national herd.

It is also in line with the goal of transforming Botswana from a middle-income to a high income economy.

President Masisi said the cattle industry had great potential for economic growth and as such it was critical to support those with interest in farming.

Thus, he implored more successful farmers to participate in the bull donation drive to be able to collectively achieve the target of increasing the national herd.

President Masisi assured farmers that the bull donation drive would continue and more farmers would benefit from the initiative.

He said when the initiative started, it did not target urban farmers but after numerous pleas from their legislators, the farmers were now included.

Dr Masisi said his desire was to see more Batswana becoming wealthy and have sustainable livelihoods.

He said the idea of gifting was one of the pillars of nation building and implored Batswana to resuscitate that spirit.

Maun East, West, Ngami and Okavango have benefited 10 bulls each in the past due to natural disaster that had befallen farmers in the area, President Masisi said.

Yesterday, Geoffrey Chibana, Mmamosadi Gobopang, Dineo Tsalaile, Goitseone Keitseope, Bathusi Kamela, Mosimanegape Phuti each received a white Brahman bull , while Thomas Morebudi and Ogomoditse Lesedi each received a Red bull and a Simbra bull respectively.

President Masisi gifted one bull to the Botswana Police Service and an additional 10 heifers were pledged in their favour.

He thanked  BPS for their tireless service to the nation especially their flagship KgomoKhumo initiative.

Dr Masisi also donated 12 horses towards the BPS Adopt-A- Police initiative.

He said the target was to donate about 100 horses to assist in daily operations of the police.

For her part,  BPS Commissioner, Ms Dinah Marathe thanked President Masisi for being a torch bearer in efforts to protect the nation.

She said the nation and business community had been taking a leading role in equipping the police who had been resource challenged.

Ms Marathe said government had offered a farm for BPS in Ramatlabama which would be put to good use.

Ministry of Agriculture permanent secretary, Ms Nancy Chengeta said over the years, the livestock herd had been in decline.

She urged farmers to make use of the good quality breeds they were given to produce more quality.

Ms Chengeta pleaded with farmers and aspiring ones to take up government packages which were meant to support the agricultural sector such as Temo Letlotlo and Thuo Letlotlo. Ends