08 Jul 2018

Farmers must harness modern technology to contribute to agricultural development and economic growth, says Minister of Agricultural Development and Food Security, Mr Patrick Ralotsia.

Mr Ralotsia, who is also MP for Kanye North, said this during a field tour of his farm at Kanngwe Lands by Mathiba Secondary School students on July 5.

He encouraged the private sector to participate fully in agriculture to help with food security. 

‘’Agriculture remains a key component of the country's national strategy for private sector development. Making money from an agricultural business requires knowledge of farming practices as well as some experience in developing a business,’’ he said.

The minister said the agricultural sector had the potential to ensure food security for the nation as well as create employment and uplifting livelihoods. 

He said the agricultural sector should be improved to make it appealing to the youth, and encouraged students to pay more attention to Agriculture as a subject. He also urged parents and teachers to make agriculture more attractive to students.

 Mr Ralotsia said people have to eat regularly and encouraged farmers to seek technical advice from agricultural experts to produce more food.

He informed Mathiba students that he was assisted by private sector entities such as National Development Bank, Seed-co and Ramogomana farming to improve his farm. 

He said he planted maize, Lab-Lab and vegetables on 273 of the 700 hectares while he also kept chickens and cattle.

He stated that NDB provided him with funds to buy machinery, Seed-co assisted with hybrid seeds, while Ramogomana helped with soil testing and liquid fertilizers. ENDS