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Slow start to the ploughing season

The first farmers to plough were those engaged in molapo farming in Ngamiland, Boteti and Chobe. “These are along the river and rely on the river for ploughing,” he said.

There have been rains in Tutume areas in North East and Tswapong areas in Central District, where farmers have also started ploughing.

Ramokapane said that farmers are however hampered by a shortage of tractors. “Ploughing is slow now because it is one farmer after another. But I must however note that the number of tractors have slightly increased in the country. One major challenge that remain is that of planters,” he explained.

The ministry has therefore reconsidered its decision that it will only help farmers who plant in rows.

The ministry had decided that only farmers who use planters would benefit under the ISPAAD programme effective this ploughing season. This decision has since been temporarily withdrawn to allow farmers to adjust to the new requirements.

Farmers who are not able to row plant but broadcast will continue to be assisted with P400 per hectare up to five hectares just like it was before the ISPAAD guidelines were reviewed.

Farmers who row plant will be paid as per the new guidelines for ploughing and planting at P800 and P360 for harrowing.

Ramokapane encouraged farmers to consider drought resistant crops like beans and sorghum and avoid maize, which cannot stand extreme heat. He advised farmers to make sound production decisions to avoid absolute loss due to lack of rains. “If a farmer realises that crops will not recover from the heat and lack of rains, they should consider cutting crops and keep them as fodder/animal feed,” he said.