Late rains, Temo Letlotlo delays turn farmers off maize
Friday, February 02, 2024 | 470 Views |
Seoromeng PICS: PHATSIMO KAPENG
In a snap survey of Kweneng District farmers this week, Mmegi found that many planted in just the last few weeks, due to the late onset of rains in the region. Many shifted from their traditional focus on maize and moved onto hardier crops, including a strong shift to animal feed crops.
Many signed up for the “new ISPAAD” Temo Letlotlo, but are yet to take delivery of the various inputs the programme is offering to the various scales of farmers.
Whilst celebrating milestones in inclusivity, with notably P5 billion awarded to vulnerable groups, the report sounds a 'siren' on a dangerous and growing trend: the ballooning use of micro-procurement. That this method, designed for small-scale, efficient purchases, now accounts for a staggering 25% (P8 billion) of total procurement value is not a sign of agility, but a 'red flag'. The PPRA’s warning is unequivocal and must be...