17 May 2018

Department of Agricultural Research in the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security has made some strides in agricultural research.

This came to light during the organisation’s three day seminar in Selebi Phikwe from May 15-17 held under the theme; Refocusing Agricultural Research to Address Challenges of Agricultural Productivity’.

Scholars or academics pursuing different research works in the field of agriculture made presentations on their findings from their completed studies while some gave progress reports on ongoing trials and new proposals.

The different scientific research works conducted by the scientists in the ministry have been taking place for many years, some dating back to beyond 30 years and have been updated annually as the need arose.

In an interview, the director of Department of Agricultural Research, Dr Pharoah Mosupi indicated that the studies were focused around agricultural productivity and tackling or coming up with ways to mitigate the effects of climate change.

Dr Mosupi explained that some of the research works were based and conducted looking at the Agro-Ecology of Botswana, which included issues such as the vastness of land in Botswana, soil types in each region that also determine the kind or types of crops, vegetation, as well as wild or domestic animals that do well in the said regions in the midst of climate change.

He said good and impressive strides had been made by the researchers and findings of the completed studies would be released to inform policy formulation in regards to agriculture and food production.

He explained that his organization intended to set up centres of excellence of agriculture in Botswana to lead in providing information and advice in agriculture production.

He said their research findings would also have a positive impact in guiding as to which agricultural projects for commercial purposes do well in specific economic zones being setup around the country.

During the seminar, more than 30 scientific research presentations were made.

Reports on progress made on some projects in agricultural field ranging from genetics in plant and animal life to increased productivity in the same life form areas were also presented.

There were also presentations on new proposals made, where academics presented abstracts of the various research projects they intend to pursue in the agricultural field to boost food production and security.

Progress reports on one of Botswana’s recognised achievements in the genetic area, which is the production of Musi cattle was made.

The project has been taking place for more than 30 years having commenced in 1982.

Musi cattle breed was released in 2011.

Musi, which is more of beef breed, can withstand the semi-arid climatic condition of Botswana.

Currently, progress is still being made regarding multiplication of the breed among other areas of research.

Other research projects include the genetic parameters and growth trends for Tswana cattle selected for increased growth and also conserve the Tswana breed from extinction.

A presentation on research findings on insect pests on the Jatropha plant were made.

The Jatropha plant can be used to produce biomass energy or fuel and has potential to be produced on commercial or large scale for the production of alternative fuel from fossil fuel.

Other research studies on various crops ranging from legumes to cereals, among other fields as well as animal husbandry and milk production related projects were also made. ENDS