06 Jun 2019

Acting Minister of Agricultural Development and Food Security, Mr Konstantinos Markus has urged employees to play a meaningful role to ensure that they produce enough food to feed the nation.

He said this during the ministry’s excellence awards in Gaborone on June 4. 

The awards, he said, were intended to motivate and appreciate employees who had done a sterling job in their respective fields.

‘The recipients are a true epitome of excellence because they have gone an extra mile in helping the ministry achieve its mission and mandate.

Mr Markus said even those who did not get any award should not despair as their value was also recognised in their respective offices. 

He revealed that the food import bill stood at P7.75 billion, an increase from P6.86 billion as reported in 2017.

“Though the quantity of imports has fluctuated over the years, the food import bill has shown a gradual increase in value.”

The minister divulged that milk and fruits were some of the most imported commodities, and as a way of trying to increase milk production, government had taken a decision to expand Sunnyside Farm. 

Regarding horticulture sub-sector, he said the production had also increased mainly because tomato and potatoes were grown locally. 

Mr Markus revealed that the agricultural sector was faced with challenges such as drought, pests and diseases as well as Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD), but indicated that they were all under control.

Furthermore, he applauded the stakeholders for ensuring that Zone 7 was declared FMD free, a step he said would allow farmers in the region to sell their cattle to the European market.

Meanwhile, the ministry recognised 67 employees for their sterling job and contribution in various categories, with the Southern District team emerging the day’s winner as they raked in most of the awards. ENDS