Farmers� woes worsen as livestock succumb to legong-nyana
Thursday, July 21, 2016
Last week government announced that the 2015/16 drought year followed a poorly distributed and below normal rainfall in most parts of the country, leaving most grazing areas with no pasture, forcing animals to feed on anything they lay their eyes on. Now, the Ministry of Agriculture has confirmed cases of livestock deaths in Kweneng, Kgatleng and the Central District mostly cattle, sheep and goats and has linked the deaths to livestock feeding on the poisonous plant called pavetta harborii, or legong-nyana.
The belt of the poisonous plant stretches from Artesia-Leshibitse area in Kgatleng district to Kodibeleng area in the Central District.
The Ministry of Agriculture, local producers, retailers, and industry associations must work together to overcome the obstacles hindering vegetable production and distribution.This collaborative approach is essential to improve the availability, quality, and affordability of vegetables in the market.Firstly, the Ministry of Agriculture should provide support and guidance to local farmers to enhance their productivity and efficiency. This could...