12 May 2014

The National Food Technology Research Centre (NFTRC) has donated food processing equipment valued at P40 000 to Ms Onalenna Benjamin of Makobo village.

In an interview with NFTRC research scientist after the donation, Mr Abia Sebaka said the gesture was the centre’s contribution towards the poverty eradication programme.

He said Ms Benjamin was identified through the Social and Community Development (S&CD) department and went through training in vegetable and fruit processing at NFTRC in Kanye earlier this year.

Mr Sebaka further explained that vegetable and fruit processing was relevant as Ms Benjamin will get raw materials from her backyard garden and subsistence farmers who benefited from the Integrated Support Programme for Arable Agriculture Development (ISPAAD).

He observed that subsistence farmers produced melons (marotse) in abundance and could be used for jam making to avoid losses.

Furthermore, Mr Sebaka said the northern region was rich in horticultural products hence processing the produce so that they could extend their shelf life up to 18 months.

Senior Extension Officer and Skills transfer coordinator, Ms Anna Nkwe-Mosele explained that NFTRC was aligning itself to government initiatives and will make follow-ups on Ms Benjamin’s project.

The 30-year-old Ms Benjamin expressed hope that the project will change her life and she will be able to build herself a house as well as care for her family.

She appreciated NFTRC and the poverty eradication programme, saying if taken seriously it can change the lives of beneficiaries. ENDS