06 Mar 2019

Farmers have been urged to setup horticulture associations to enable them to play a role in the growth of the horticulture sector. 

In an interview, the director of Department of Crop Production, Mr Galeitsiwe Ramokapane, implored horticultural farmers to up their game.  

He expressed disappointment that some farmers were not willing to join horticultural associations, something that was setback in the growth of the agricultural sector. 

Mr Ramokapane emphasised the need for farmers to work together as a unit in the form of associations, which would also give them an opportunity to follow quality assurance standards provided by the agriculture ministry. 

He said by doing so, the farmers would produce quality products and also improve their yield and contribute towards food security in the country.

Furthermore, he expressed concern about underutilised land noting that most people abandoned their land or fields and stay in towns while other people are in need of land to engage in horticultural farming. 

Meanwhile, some farmers shared same views as the director. Mr Solomon Tshenyo from Chobe Horticultural Farmers Association said the market for agriculture products is readily available as the demand for horticulture produce is high. 

He said instead of importing agriculture produce, local farmers should form associations and work together to sustain the country’s demand. 

He explained that associations act as an advocacy body that mitigates challenges faced by farmers.

Mr Tshenyo further said associations also engage the Ministry of Agricultural Development and Food Security to give advise on the design of national strategy for agriculture development including horticulture.

“The ministry should organise more workshops to educate and sensitise farmers about the importance of forming associations in order to produce products in bulk and sustain the demanding market,” he said A farmer, Ms Mosetsanagape Sepora from Tshukudu Association in Francistown expressed concern over the high rate of imported agriculture products. 

She said more Batswana should engage in agriculture and horticulture to sustain the market in the country. ENDS