07 Jun 2016

The Minister of Agriculture Mr Patrick Ralotsia has urged youth to engage in agricultural government programmes to be successful and self-reliant.

Mr Ralotsia who is also a Member of Parliament for Kanye North constituency was addressing Kgosing ward youth in a one day workshop in Kanye on Saturday.

He appealed to youth to set aside political differences and show dedication and eagerness to succeed rather than complaining that they were not helped to progress.

The minister said agriculture needed commitment and patience to make progress in their farming projects which he said were more profitable if well managed.

He said  government was making efforts to improve the livelihood of youth through various programmes aimed at assisting them to start their own businesses and not only improving their lives but will also make a positive impact on the economy.

Mr Ralotsia said sharing knowledge through workshops would enable youth to grow as well as raise competition amongst them.

He noted that climate changes should not discourage from producing food instead they should find ways to keep up with the changing times  adding that they should utilise the idling lands of their parents.

Mr Ralostia encouraged them to move Botswana forward by working cooperatively together and advised them to form groups to influence individuals.

He said Botswana was a peaceful and stable country which allowed each and every person to be free and utilise free government programmes  without any disturbance.      

Earlier, on behalf of Bangwaketse Kgosi, Kgosi Thatayaone Makaba said they were concerned about youth who were  engage in criminal activities and drug abuse in Kanye.  

Nominated Councillor for Kgosing ward Mr Gothataone Phologolo encouraged youth to be committed and perseve. He advised them to be patient to acquire youth programmes. 

He said government programmes and policies were available for them.Councillor for Kgosing ward Mr Morekisi Rangobana said there were no commercial plots for youth in Kanye. 

He said ranches were also not available for youth. He added that youth were the most impatient group who needed immediate assistance. ENDS