21 May 2017

It is the responsibility of farmers to ensure that the country meet   food requirement obligations, says the Ministry of Agricultural Development and Food Security official Mr Lepodisi Telekelo.

He was speaking at the south east district community outreach programme of taking the ministry to the people at Metsimaswaane lands on Friday.

“As farmers it is our responsibility to feed Batswana, it is upon me and you,” said Mr Telekelo.

He said as much as it is the responsibility of teachers to teach children, it is upon each and every farmer to ensure that the country becomes food sufficient.

Mr Telekelo further encouraged farmers to thrive to produce more so that excess could be sold to generate more money.

He regretted that currently, Botswana imports almost everything to meet her food requirements including cereals and excluding only beef, chicken and eggs.

“These people that we import from cultivate the same soil as us, “he said to encourage farmers who had thronged the events.

He noted that importing almost all lead to high import bills well as helping other countries to diversify their agriculture sector while ours remain undiversified and employing less people.

Furthermore, Mr Telekelo who is the South East District Agricultural Coordinator said farmers also have a responsibility of creating jobs for their fellow citizens especially that employment opportunities are scares nowadays.

He said the ministry of agricultural development and food security exist to create a favourable environment for farmers grow their businesses.

As such the ministry has come up with programmes and initiatives to stimulate farmer’s production.

However he said it is worrying that there are farmers who lack knowledge on government initiatives hence they fail to take advantage of available opportunities.

He also underscored the importance of agriculture sector, especially to people in rural areas where it is the main source of livelihood.

Earlier, Kgosi Lebogang Masie of Taung village highlighted the importance of the agriculture sector saying it can feed the nation, diversify economy and create employment.

Kgosi Masie therefore encouraged the community to take agriculture serious especially that the country faces limited employment opportunities.

He said the government has come up with programmes that farmers can take advantage of and improve production.

Nevertheless Kgosi Masie regretted that there are farmers who are not taking care of their livestock which terrorise other’s fields and cause conflicts.

Among the information shared with farmers include that of LIMID, capturing of cattle ear tags on BAITS system, vaccinations and agricultural business as well as showing exhibits. ENDS