The importation of livestock and small-stock superior breeds is aimed at catalysing the recently launched, Thuo Letlotlo, President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi has said.
Officiating at an occasion to receive beef cattle and dairy goats bought from Australia May 14, President Masisi said Thuo Letlotlo was a holistic output-based programme that was commercially-oriented to facilitate transformation and development of the livestock industry into an export-led sector.
President Masisi also used the occasion to launch the Thuo Letlotlo guidelines containing 29 packages.
“Allow me to take this moment to officially launch the Thuo Letlotlo Guidelines that will direct the implementation of the much anticipated programme,” he said.
President Masisi said he was pleased by the positive response and passion from the public after launching the Thuo Letlotlo programme in Serowe on April 25.
He said the guidelines contained a total of 29 packages which included amongst others livestock sub-sectors, game farming, waste management, privatisation of extension service, livestock digitisation, and enhancers to support each sub-sector.
The President implored members of the community to take advantage of Thuo Letlotlo, which was meant to improve production and productivity of the livestock sub-sector.
He said the importation of genetically superior livestock as well as semen embryos would go an extra mile in augmenting the Thuo Letlotlo programme so that it realises its broader objectives.
“My word of encouragement to all farmers and aspirants is for you to use these superior genetic resources, which are available to you at subsidised prices to advance your livestock enterprises,” he said. President Masisi said government’s goal of increasing national herd and improving its genetic merit could only be achieved if farmers breed with genetically superior animals and using the best management practices in their farms.
“These best management practices include keeping performance records, undertaking necessary vaccinations, identifying all our livestock for traceability purposes, keeping animals at optimal stocking rates and taking care of our rangeland resources,” said President Masisi. Ends
