20 Oct 2015

The government is committed to the fight against poverty and hunger in the country, said the Minister of Agriculture Mr Patrick Ralotsia.

Speaking during the World Food Day commemoration held in Phohushadi farms near Jwaneng, the minister stated that the government has programmes like ISPAAD, LIMID, poverty eradication and back yard production that are aimed at reducing dependency on food imports and improving food production in the country.

He explained that of recent, the government has agreed to inject P1.86 million which will be mostly used in infrastructure to enhance agricultural production hence food production in the country.

Mr Ralotsia explained that the theme of the day being, Social protection and agriculture; breaking the cycle of rural poverty, hinges on social protection as it blend policies, programmes and interventions aimed at protecting the poor and food insecure people and those that may be vulnerable to poverty and food insecurity.

“ Social protection is critical because not only does it prevent people from going hungry in the short run but it also stimulate production and provides a greater income stability in the long term, thus reducing food insecurity and poverty,” he explained. 

The minister said that poverty and hunger if not attended to, will become a cycle that can be passed from generation to generation something that the government does not want for its people. Therefore, he said the government has seen it fit to commit to breaking the cycle by strengthening the agricultural sector that will in turn enhance rural resilience against poverty and hunger. 

“It is therefore crucial that we constantly come up with viable alternatives for agricultural and local economic activities,” he said.

He said that the celebration of the World Food Day is a good platform as the government is able to raise awareness about challenges of hunger as well as encouraging people countrywide to fight against it. 

He explained that the day also provides a good stage for all stakeholders to take stock while celebrating strides made towards eradication of poverty and hunger.

Minister Ralotsia recognised the role played by farmers in the fight against hunger and poverty. He said that farmers are the key actors in the process of fighting hunger and finding concrete solutions to address food security and nutrition. 

He also explained that with the year declared as a drought one, it was therefore important that farmers have access to science, innovation and knowledge which he described as essential for the development of the agricultural sector.

For his part, chief executive officer of CEDA Mr Thabo Thamane encouraged farmers to be embrace the use of technology in their agricultural activities as countries that receive less rain than Botswana have been able to produce for their home countries as well as export.

The next commemoration will be held in Kgatleng district. Ends