By STAFF REPORTER
TEN young farmers set to receive ten bulls from the North West Agriculture and Rural Development department as part of June Month commemoration. North West MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development, Desbo Mohono said they will donate ten bulls to ten young farmers across the province as part of the 2021 Youth Month Commemoration.
“Ten young farmers who have proven commitment and perseverance to their livestock business will receive these bulls in order to further improve their livestock. The department has placed livestock improvement as part of its priority programmes.
“We have also taken note that amongst others, beef cattle production is a vehicle that has the potential to contribute to the development of the province’s populace by enhancing food security, job creation, reducing poverty and ultimately improving the quality of life of the communities in a sustainable manner,” she said.
Mohono said according to national livestock statistics, the province has 1 588 147 cattle including both beef and dairy (13% of national herd). She also made a plea to young people in the province to embrace and love agriculture.
“The department will identify young people who are passionate to give these bulls to because we need results. We need to see livestock improve in the province and open opportunities for better markets.
“The sector had opportunities and young people needed to tap on them. It was imperative for the department to commemorate June Month in order to remember the unwavering commitment of the 1976 Youth,” said Mohono.
She further said the black youth of decades ago fought against inequality. Mohono added that today’s young people face more than just inequality and they are overwhelmed by feelings of inadequacy, self-hate, and depression that do not discriminate against race, gender, sexuality, or religion.
“Where our predecessors once fought for the security of the future, we battle for relevance. We find ourselves caught up in a cycle of constantly having to prove something, while trying to figure out who we really are in a fast-changing world,” she said.
Meanwhile, one of the beneficiaries, Botlhale Tshabalala who is a young farmer based in Driehoek farm in Ngaka Modiri Molema district shared the same sentiments. Tshabalala said he has over the years moved from strength to strength in his crop production farming.
“I have grown abundantly in my eight-year stint in business and I am adamant that greater things are on the way. From only planting 15 hectares in 2013, now I am leasing land currently harvesting on the planted 165 hectares.
“So, I am grateful for the crop inputs I received from the department which made it possible for me to reach my targets of planting 30 hectares of white beans, 30 hectares of maize and 105 hectares of sunflower,” he said
Tshabalala said he is also confident about his progress and is committed to taking in young people to mentor. He also organized the annual Harvest Day celebration, which the department was part of.
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