More stud bulls for subsistence cattle farmers in Ngaka Modiri Molema District – Setsokotsane Programme
Seven more subsistence cattle farmers who qualified for participation in the Department of Rural, Environment and Agricultural Development’s Sire Subsidy Scheme where during the implementation of Setsokotsane Programme in Tswaing Local Municipality on Friday, 7 November, presented with Bonsmara bulls. The handing over which took place at Ganaalaagte village near Delareyville, was done by the Premier of Bokone Bophirima Province Mr SOR Mahumapelo.
The distribution of these seven bulls, all bred from the department’s Klipkuil Breeding Scheme in Madikwe, comes two weeks after 10 Bonsmara and 10 Brahman bulls were distributed to other cattle farmers in the District, at Modimola village.
Presenting certificates of participation in the scheme to the beneficiaries, Premier Mahumapelo encouraged them to remain firm in their persistence to produce quality livestock, saying farmers must do their part in ensuring that the Province’s vision to eventually lead in agricultural production becomes a reality.
“The province needs committed farmers who are driven by the desire to produce healthy and quality agricultural products. Our support is therefore aimed at assisting you to reach this goal, which will not only benefit you as farmers, but will boost the Province’s economy as well”, remarked Premier Mahumapelo while handing over the bulls which farmers immediately took possession of.
One of the seven beneficiaries, Mr Kgotlayame Molaakgosi (49) from Middleton C village in Tswaing Local Municipality, warmly welcomed government’s assistance saying they could not have managed to buy these stud bulls by themselves.
“This is a notable milestone for us as subsistence cattle farmers. We earnestly thank our government for this quality product oriented support,” Molaakgosi said.
The objective of the Sire Subsidy Scheme is to improve the quality and reproductive rates of subsistence farmers’ livestock, while contributing to the farmers’ efficiency in livestock management. In Ngaka Modiri Molema District, a total of 105 subsistence cattle farmers will benefit from the Sire Subsidy Scheme this financial year, and the remaining 78 farmers will receive theirs as Setsokotsane Programme will be taken to various Local Municipalities in the District.
Premier Mahumapelo who was joined by the MECs for Departments of Rural, Environment and Rural Development, Culture, Arts and Traditional Affairs and Education and Sports Development, also visited Jachtskraal village which has been prioritised for food security, where he handed over food garden packages which included water tank, wheel barrows and vegetable seeds, to ten destitute households.
Launched last month in Ngaka Modiri Molema District, Setsokotsane is a programme that seeks to accelerate delivery to services to people of the Bokone Bophirima province. This programme has thus far reached various wards in Mahikeng, Ditsobotla and Tswaing Local Municipalities. In implementing the Programme’s objectives, government resources are pulled together in an effort to eradicate and create opportunities for local people to improve their lives.
Enquiries:
Bonolo Mohlakoana
Tel: 018 388 4390
Cell: 082 901 2435
E-mail: Bmohlakoana@nwpg.gov.za
