04 Sep 2016

Minister of Agriculture, Mr Patrick Ralotsia, has paid tribute to private institutions, which sponsor the annual Gaborone agricultural show.

The show, Mr Ralotsia said, helped to showcase farmers’  products and produce.

Speaking at an appreciation ceremony in Gaborone recently, Mr Ralotsia said sponsors were an important part in the successful running of the agric show, which he added, was meant to sell works of farmers to a diverse consumer group. 

He also explained that with the sponsors’ support, the role of farmers in the production of sufficient food and even surplus would be greatly enhanced and realised.  

He, however, noted that without farmers’ commitment and show committee members, there would be no agriculture show in Gaborone. Thus, he thanked them for their devotion and perseverance in their work, noting that though there was drought this year, exhibits were of quality.

Mr Ralotsia, however, challenged farmers to produce enough and desist from blaming atmospheric condition such as droughts for poor or limited produce, saying there were technologies and technocrats in the field of agriculture better placed to overcome such weather conditions and feed the nation.

Nevertheless, he urged farmers not to over depend on government subsidies noting that those who had been assisted should eventually grow and assist others to grow in the same manner.

Similarly, the ministry’s permanent secretary, Mr Boipelelo Khumomatlhare said he was impressed by the quality of this year’s exhibits though the country was still reeling from effects of drought.

Mr Khumomatlhare therefore applauded farmers and the show committees for a job well done.

He noted that he might in future venture into sheep rearing after witnessing the high quality and breed of sheep which was exhibited. However, he said he was attending the show for the first time.

On behalf of the sponsors, Barclays Bank of Botswana, head of business banking-corporate, Mr Andre Potgieter said he was happy that the show committee was made of volunteers who in turn were committed. Mr Potgieter therefore said as sponsors they would continue to support the agric sector and the show in many spheres for it to thrive. 

He said the agricultural show provided a platform for farmers to showcase and benchmark from others and as such he was happy to be associated with Gaborone Agricultural Show.

Meanwhile, sponsors were awarded certificates of appreciation by assistant minister of agriculture, Mr Kgotla Autlwetse while deputy permanent secretary (corporate services) in the ministry, Mrs Oemetse Nkoane handed letters of appreciation to the show committee members and those who assisted during the show and over the years. ENDS