FARMERS SET TO GET LAND

Government is set to avail land to farmers for the development of the small-stock industry. President Mokgweetsi Masisi made the announcement at the annual Agricultural Show saying the move is in line with government’s pledge to give the agricultural sector the support it needs to achieve food security. The initiative is an addition to the beef and smallstock cluster strategies meant to address the declining livestock population over the years. President Masisi noted that cattle population stood at 2.1 million, goats at 1.2 million and sheep at 270 000. “The numbers continue to decline due to various reasons including, poor animal husbandry practices which lead to low productivity,” he said.