Nkgono Jane says...

July 2017

We enjoyed the NAMPO Harvest Week during May this year. This is always a great event and this year it was particularly good because we were able to show the small farmers equipment that is appropriate for small farmers. I do hope that next year more small farmers will try to get to the show  – it will open your eyes to the sector.

Many of you will be paying your contributions for the Jobs Fund – remember that the purpose of this project is to get you to use all the land that you have available and to get used to paying for the inputs. It is a great help to receive subsidies, but this might not be able to continue for long. Therefore, it is very important that you use what you are receiving now very wisely to become independent as soon as possible. We must always remember that a government depends on people paying taxes – this is where the money from government is sourced.

With so many people out of work, the government of the day is going to struggle to get enough money from the employed people to be able to support those who rely on subsidies and grants. In order to make a contribution to our country, we need more people who do not have to rely on grants – we have to contribute to our country and not be a burden to the state. By using the land you have available, and becoming self-reliant, you are contributing to building our beautiful country. We must always keep in mind that the goal of these subsidies is just to get you on your feet. There is nothing more empowering and liberating as to be self-reliant and to know that you can manage on your own. If you can work wisely with the gift you receive today, you will be proud to stand on your own feet tomorrow.

If you have livestock, during the winter, in areas where we experience frosts, the protein levels of the grass are very reduced and it is likely that your cows, sheep and goats are not getting enough to eat, and particularly not enough protein in their diet. If it is at all possible, please will you try to supplement the diet of your livestock – there are many products (licks and blocks) available at the local agricultural businesses (Afgri, TWK, etc). Get advice on how you can help your livestock through the winter – remember that they are working for you and you should care for them. Each cow and ewe that you have should give you a calf/lamb/kid each year and they will not be able to do this if they are not adequately fed during the long and cold winter months.

Keep warm and start planning for the coming season – farmers can only rest for a short while and then we start working again.

Publication: July 2017

Section: Pula/Imvula