25 Nov 2018

Government is determined to realise a vibrant agricultural sector led by youth, the Vice President, Mr Slumber Tsogwane, has said.

Officiating at a one-day agriculture conference in Gaborone on November 23, he said agriculture was one of the priority sectors to lead the development of Botswana.

“We urge every Motswana to be part of its delivery using scientific knowledge and home-grown ideas. The end result of which I believe you are all aware of is to reduce import bill, to be self-sufficient and acquire sustenance in food security,” he said.

Mr Tsogwane further noted that government’s priority in agricultural development was to promote a cost-effective and intensification of commercialisation.

Furthermore, he said government aimed to increase agricultural productivity and support the long-term development of supply chains and rural economies.

Mr Tsogwane further said there was need to commercialise agriculture for it to grow.

He implored the youth to take advantage of opportunities in the agricultural sector, owing to their age, energy and being technology savvy. 

He said such attributes put them in a better position to approach financial institutions to request for loans to invest in farming.

“The existing youth grants also enable you to explore various farming initiatives and associated activities,” he said.He called on them to access numerous financial and technical support programmes at their disposal for projects in agriculture.

Meanwhile, Botswana Young farmers Association chairperson, Mr Karabo Molefhe, said since inception, young farmers had achieved a lot.

He said the importance of investment in agriculture could not be overemphasised in order for the sector to grow.

He said the conference aimed at establishing a dialogue for stakeholders and as such, he called upon attendants to extensively discuss ideas that could improve the sector.

Mr Molefhe further noted that Young Farmers Association had since extended its membership to older farmers as ex-officio members because of their wisdom, which would benefit the younger generation of farmers.

A veteran farmer, Dr Haward Sigwele called on the government to invest in agriculture infrastructure and security to boost investor confidence.

He said the provision of an efficient and conducive public sector environment for trade and business services was also essential in enhancing the achievement of food security. ENDS