Govt warns tractor owners over fuel advances

Responding to a question in Parliament on Wednesday, assistant Minister of Agriculture, Oreeditse Molebatsi said the ministry does not allow this practice as fuel was considered when determining the rates for payment of tractor owners. “I am aware that some tractor owners require advances for purchase of diesel from those wishing to plough their fields. My ministry does not allow this practice, unfortunately this arrangement is privately done between the tractor owner and the farmer without the ministry’s involvement,” said Molebatsi.

Molebatsi was responding to a question from Kanye South Member of Parliament Abraham Kesupile who wanted to know if the ministry was aware of the practice and how it discourages those farmers who cannot get the advance money. Molebatsi said tractor owners are encouraged to source funds for fuel themselves.