20 Apr 2015

President Lt Gen. Seretse Khama Ian Khama has, after considering a request by the Minister of Agriculture, Mr Christian De Graaff, agreed to relieve him of his ministerial duties to allow him to focus on his health.

A press release from Office of the President stated that consequent to this development, the acting Minister of Agriculture, Mr Patrick Ralotsia, is confirmed Minister of Agriculture and will be deputised by Mr Fedelis Molao. Both appointments are with immediate effect.

President Khama thanked Mr De Graaff for his unwavering support and commitment that he displayed during his term and wished him the best in his recovery.

During his term as Minister of Agriculture, Mr De Graaff guided the ministry’s transformation process in the beef industry culminating into last year’s exceptional performance of the Botswana Meat Commission as well as a bumper harvest in crop production through the implementation of the ISPAAD programme.

This included the LIMID programme and several other interventions by government to improve agriculture sector. Ends