02 Aug 2015

The Minister of Agriculture, Mr Patrick Ralotsia has urged Maun residents to utilise their agricultural land effectively to produce enough food that can feed the nation.

Giving remarks at the just ended Ngamiland Trade and Agricultural Expo aimed at promoting economic diversification and benefiting tourism operators, farmers and small entrepreneurs, Mr Ralotsia said the government was concerned about fertile land which was left idling.

He appreciated that traditionally communities in Ngamiland depended on the livestock industry, but stated that his ministry was concerned about agricultural land not utilised effectively.

Mr Ralotsia noted that Ngamiland was prone to livestock diseases such as contagious bovine pleuro-pneumonia (CBPP) and Foot and Mouth Disease.

He said the district also experienced an earthquake in 1952 leaving many people dead and buildings destroyed.

The minister said pastoral farming has brought economic suffering upon the district due to a prolonged absence of a beef market due to livestock disease outbreaks, hence the need to change their mindset and shift to arable farming

He urged residents to lease their land to farmers who want to benefit from arable farming and feed the nation.

“We want the country to produce enough food and reduce dependency on importing food.”

Mr Ralotsia also appreciated the fact that the country was faced with acute shortage of water, but noted that the district has adequate water that could assist to produce enough food.

For his part, the chief representative, Kgosi Charles Letsholathebe praised the organisers, Rarchetscapes Investment Company for considering Ngamiland to hold a trade and agriculture expo.
He said the expo has been absent for many years and urged the community to take advantage of the trade fair.

Kgosi Letsholathebe said the event was relevant in the district which was a tourism destination and said they regard it to be of national significance because it focuses on agriculture and tourism.

He urged the community not to put their focus on tourism projects only, and emphasised the need to explore other industries, noting that the district has a lot of opportunities which the community could tap into. Ends