30 May 2016

Women in the farming industry have hailed the Women in Farming Expo saying it gave them an opportunity to showcase their products as well as exchange notes.

The expo was held at Serokolwane lawns on May 28.

Ms Neo Seate of Senela Farm in Serinane was one of the farmers who took advantage of the expo.

She is into integrated farming and this being her first project, Ms Seate said she has learnt a lot.

She said she was yet to break into the market and believed that she would make it more so that the women’s expo gave them a chance to learn from each other.

She further said her project was self-funded but she engaged ISPAAD for fencing and the intention was to seek for assistance so she can grow her business.

The founder of women in farming expo Ms Pearl Ranna said the event was organised with the intention of promoting women’s agribusiness products and services.

She said the idea was to engage industry leaders in the agribusiness sector from government, public and private organisations. Ms Ranna said as a young farmer, she wanted to attract young farmers through this expo who aspire to be successful farmers.

The young farmer opined that looking at the food security in the Botswana and the SADC region at large, it was necessary for farmers to learn from each other and up their kind.

She further said the idea was born after visiting other countries where she saw farmers learning from each other.

Ms Ranna expressed hope that bringing together all stakeholders in the agricultural sector that play a vital role for successful operations for agric-preneurs will help shape a young farmer for commercial farming.

She said those who want to venture into farming should have a passion for it as well as engage in continuous learning.

The 23-year-old said she wants to be a full time farmer and believes that she can make it and break the stereotype that farming is a man’s world.

Ms Ranna said women have the potential and can meet expected standards in the farming industry.

“As women we are still challenged because some businesses do not believe that a woman can provide the products they are growing. This is a setback for us, said Ranna.

She said the most important part of the expo was to provide an opportunity to link government, local businesses and private entities and have an interactive, educational and inspirational environment for women of all ages. Ends