Agrinews December 2012 - Ministry of Agriculture

Article & Photos: Moreri ModipeFor many years Batswanahave been involved infood production mainly forhuman consumption. However,in recent years there has been atransformation as some farmersventured in fodder productionfor background before bringingthem into the feedlot which hasa holding capacity of 300 cattle.The finishing process entailsfeeding his stock with maizeconcentrate and hay.Within his holding Michauplants mealies throughout theyear to make silage. He however,plans to expand his production infuture by planting beans.Since there is adverse shortageof water in Botswana, Michaubeing planted around August/September and harvested aroundDecember/January then plantagain.During the World Food DayMichau expressed sinceregratitude to Batswana particularlyGantsi residents for theirhospitality. He encouragedBatswana to work hard, believein themselves and pursue theirdreams. Further, Michau isprepared to share his knowledgeJan MichauCattle feeding from Michau’s holdinglike Lucerne, hay, corn and lablab.The potential of fodder productionwas recently witnessed by a crowdof people who attended the 2012World Food Day Commemorationin Gantsi. The host farmer, JanMichau is involved in beef andfodder production. He makessilage within his holding and feedsit to livestock which is later soldto different markets.He buys young cattle from localfarmers; sends them to his farmuses drip irrigation to water hiscrops. He has several boreholeswithin his holding and pumpswater with a diesel engine anduses hydrants to disperse it intothe field. Drip irrigation workswell for him in the area wheretemperatures are high and thissystem allows for conservation ofmoisture.So far only eight hectares ofland is under propagation. Heplants twice a year, the first batchand skills.Michau’s major challenge is thedistance to the slaughter facilitiesthat causes stress to animals.He therefore appealed for theestablishment of an abattoir inGantsi. Considering the climaticchanges, Michau expressedconcern about shortage of fodderin Botswana. He said measuresshould be put in place to increaseproduction levels.5December b 2012