The Assistant Minister of Agriculture has called on community councilors to play a leading role to achieving high food production in the country.

Speaking in a meeting with members of the District Council and Members of Parliament for Mohale’s hoek, Mr. Ramootsi Lehata said the government regards block farming as one strategy to help attain high crop production; hence it facilitates financial assistance from a local bank for three years for block owners to prove their potential.

He urged community leaders to encourage communities in their areas to engage in block farming where crop production is done in a professional way, taking note of all production steps such as soil testing, ripping, cultivation, disking, planting and application of lime, herbicides and pesticides, which most farmers currently do not use.

Mr. Lehata indicated that ‘World bank has for the first time acknowledged to financially assist countries that strive to fight hunger through agricultural production’ hence need for farmers to show commitment by engaging in block farming.

At the same meeting, the chairperson of the District Council said although good, the strategy was unsuccessful during 2007/08 summer cropping season due to shortage of farm machinery, unclear arrangements towards provision of diesel and payment of oxen span, which are used in most places.

Mr. Khopiso Ts’iloane said the meeting has enlightened them on procedures which to follow when they encounter difficulties in the process.

The District Administrator, Mr. Ramatla ‘Makong said block farming strategy serves as challenge among all to ensure that no field remains fallow.

At least 10 517.88 hectors were planted summer crops in Mohale’s hoek during 2007/08 summer cropping season, 125 hectors of which were planted under program one, 2 151.52 hectors under program three and 8 241.36 hectors under program four.

Program one is about commercial farming through massive production at a selected area while program three is about subsistence and commercial farming and are both financially assisted by a local bank. In program four, selected farmers get assistance from the Food Agricultural Organization through seed fairs.

Mohale’s hoek district has a total of 24 989 hectors of arable land.

Source: LENA 01/06/2008