15 Dec 2016

The Assistant Minister of Agricultural Development and Food Security, Mr Kgotla Autlwetse has explained to Parliament the original objectives for establishment of 2 500 hectares fields known as Mahabapi in Pandamatenga, as per African Development Bank (AfDB) funded Agricultural Development Project.

Answering a question in Parliament on Tuesday from Chobe MP, Mr Machana Shamukuni, Mr Autlwetse said the objectives of the project were to increase crop production and productivity to households who would benefit directly from the project and mobilise the farming community and build their capacity. Meanwhile, he said the Chobe Land Board, who were the responsible authority to allocate the fields, were still working on the issue of allocation.

MP Shamukuni had asked the minister to provide background information regarding the 2 500 hectares fields known as Mahabapi in Pandamatenga in particular; the original objectives behind establishing the field as per the AfDB funded Pandamatenga Agricultural Infrastructure Development Project.

He also wanted to know who the intended beneficiaries of the 2 500 ha fields were as per the original project concept and how and when the fields would be allocated to the intended beneficiaries. ENDS