07 Dec 2015

The acting Minister of Agriculture, Mr Kgotla Autlwetse has challenged small farmers to outgrow government programmes and ensure sufficient food production, alleviate poverty and create employment.

Speaking during a de-stumping project handover ceremony of Lokabane Cluster Fencing in Kangwe recently, he implored farmers to reach for the next level and ease the burden on the government so that it could continue aiding others who need help.

The Kangwe agricultural project, which was sponsored by the China-Africa People-to People Friendship Action in collaboration with the Chinese Enterprises Association in Botswana, saw the de-bushing of a 40 hectare farm.

The acting minister said the ceremony attested to the ever growing bilateral relations between the two countries. Mr Autlwetse toured the Lokabane project and implored the Kangwe community to ensure that the de-bushed land was utilised for production to enhance food security.

For his part, China’s Ambassador to Botswana, Mr Zheng Zhuqiang said they chose to help because agricultural development was one of the top priority areas for Botswana.

He noted that they also considered the fact that rural communities were heavily reliant on agriculture and it was the backbone of poverty alleviation. He said China-Africa People-to People Friendship Action has contributed around P1million to the social development of Botswana.

He expressed the wish that the cordial relationship between Botswana and China would continue flourishing and bring more benefits to the two parties. He expressed hope that Kangwe farmers would meet their expectations and reach the top.

Beneficiaries could not hide their excitement. They expressed sincere gratitude and appreciation for the aid. ENDS