23 Aug 2015

Ever since starting his horticultural business back in January 2013 from his own pocket, a young farmer in Tutume has said the shortage of water has become a big challenge for his business.

Speaking in an interview, the 27-year-old Mr Keolopile Modie of Chilagwane ward in Tutume said the river he usually pumped water from has dried up.

Mr Modie said he acquired a two-hectare piece of land on the banks of the Tutume River to produce vegetables; initially the river promised to be a good water source considering how well the business was doing.

“Vendors, Spar and Choppies supermarkets were buying my products unlimited. I had even penetrated the Francistown market where my products were well received,” he pointed out.

The young farmer said that now the lack of irrigation water has affected his production so much that he has lost some of his customers because of poor delivery.

He said he has since tried to seek assistance with the Youth Development Fund and is waiting for their response as he would like to dig a borehole to improve his production.

He encouraged youth in the Nkange Constituency to venture into this kind of business as it is more profitable and only needs patience and determination. Ends