23 Apr 2017

Kgosi Mokhutshwane Sekgoma has called on farmers to partner and produce food by tapping into improved agricultural productivity through technology transfer, diversification and commercialisation.
Giving a keynote address at the official opening of Serowe Market Day last Friday, Kgosi Sekgoma said there was need for market demand evaluation as quality was the right way to marketing success.
On the theme: Promoting agriculture as a business enterprise in partnership with all stakeholders, Kgosi Sekgoma said they were trying to enhance public sales of farm and agricultural produce to try and promote interaction and collaboration between famers and other investors such as agro-industrial businesses, financers and entrepreneurs amongst others.
He also said they wanted to promote a link between farmers and larger markets, broaden and diversify farmer’s customer base, improve post-harvest techniques for farmers and to promote interaction and feedback from consumers.
“The theme is a testimony that the Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security and Agricultural Development could not succeed if it has to walk this path alone, farmers’ invaluable contribution, tenacity and commitment for the growth of agricultural production is an imperative to keep each one of us alive and well,” he said
 Kgosi Sekgoma reiterated that farmers should move away from operating as entities, and should work as a unit, groups, production clusters and as associations for the common goal of producing food for humans and livestock including raw material for industry.
“I am very much aware of the challenges you face especially in the current unstable climate, but despite these odds the mandate of feeding the nation rest with you,” he said, adding that farmers needed to network and learn on best farming practices.
An official from the ministry, Ms Velleriah Pelokgale said the market day was organised for farmers to showcase their farm products and promote interaction and feedback. end