11 Sep 2016

Minister of Agriculture Mr Patrick Ralotsia unveiled the Organic Fertilizer Manufacturers Botswana- a joint company that locally manufactures organic fertilizers in Mmamashia.

Speaking during the official opening on Thursday (September 8), minister Ralotsia applauded Organic Fertilizer Manufactures Botswana (OFMB) saying their invention was a great innovation and comes at a time when famers are faced with challenges such as climate change and could use the company’s products to fight the adverse effects of climate change.

He said it was time farmers moved from vintage practices of agriculture especially that circumstances had changed. He also said farmers should look out for new advanced practices of agriculture to better their yields.

Mr Ralotsia further said the government was looking to reduce its reliance on imports into the country and therefore fully supports any local developments and said agricultural expansion is also its priority.

OFMB managing director, Mr Michael Hallam said they implored extensive research to improve soil fertility and they would not cease to work on improving their products and inventing more.

 He said they would work tirelessly to ensure consistent supply of a variety of chemical blended fertilizers to suit the local agronomic conditions.

Hallam further said they already had 12 products registered and one totally new product developed by the company. He said a soil analysis facility was currently in use and they gave agronomic advice after the results were analysed and prescription blended fertilizers were offered to individual farmers to suit their own unique conditions.

He also said they would promote the use of organically manufactured and blended fertilizers through demonstration plots and land offered by the government and private sector participants. He said land had already been secured in Gaborone and Pandamatenga. ENDS

Mr Hallam said Organic Fertilizer Manufacturers Botswana is now exporting organic products to South Africa. ENDS