21 Mar 2016

The Minister of Agriculture, Mr Patrick Ralotsia has encouraged farmers to venture into arable farming.

He said this during his visit to Rodor farmers recently. On his visit at a farm owned by Mr Keletso Rakhudu, Mr Ralotsia said arable farming was the foundation of agriculture.

 The minister said his ministry provides farmers with free seeds and that they should start ploughing crops to produce livestock feeds to reduce importing livestock feeds.

He also stated that the country spends a lot of money importing goods from other countries, therefore Batswana should utilise this opportunity of free seeds and arable farming to sustain themselves and the nation at large.

Mr Ralotsia said climate changes poses a challenge in agriculture in general. He urged farmers to irrigate their crops to reduce chances of low yields due to factors such as heat wave.

The minister said he was impressed with Mr Rakhudu and added that the country needs people like him who were willing to become sources of inspiration to others.

He however highlighted that arable farming requires skills and technology and also needs commitment, passion and determination because of challenges faced in agriculture.

In his conclusion the minister said farmers should not solely rely on government support but should also lay their own foundation as such would enhance what they already have. Ends