03 Dec 2014

The Ngamiland region has potential to sustain itself through agriculture although bedeviled with challenges, Assistant Minister of Agriculture, Mr Patrick Ralotsia has said.

Addressing the ministry staff on Monday, December 1 in Maun, Mr Ralotsia said the fact that the Integrated Support Programme for Arable Agricultural Development (ISPAAD) programme produced nine times produce compared to their target was a significant thing that the region could feed itself or even trade the surplus.

However, Mr Ralotsia noted that Ngamiland has many challenges that affect the agriculture sector, which included many disease outbreaks as compared to other regions in Botswana.
Furthermore, he also said although the region was blessed with abundant water, that was still a disadvantage as the water negatively affected some farmers’ crops through floods.

He also implored the staff to work as a team to take the ministry to higher levels.

In his welcome remarks, the Ngamiland agricultural coordinator,  Mr Obert Mabutha said ISPAAD programme was successful in the region this year since they exceeded their target.

He said Ngamiland farmers preferred small stock package from the Livestock Management and Infrastructure Development (LIMID) programme.

Mr Mabutha however said some farmers were not given the small stock on time due to the Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) outbreak at different areas.
The Ngamiland region was vast and was faced with numerous FMD outbreaks like the recent one in Tubu. 

He said shortage of human resource was a challenge, especially in Gumare, noting that they needed a doctor who has the capability to deal with the outbreaks, since those in Maun were occupied with other challenges in their area. ENDS