25 Aug 2019

Agricultural sector, through its different value chains, has a great potential to diversify Botswana’s economy, says the Minister of Agricultural Development and Food Security, Mr Fidelis Molao.

Speaking at the official opening of the National Agriculture Show in Gaborone on August 22 Mr Molao said his ministry had undertaken to pursue sustainable growth through efficient use of land, labour and other inputs to generate employment.

He said the business opportunities identified presented a myriad of choices for engagement in the agricultural sector, stating that Botswana had over the years evolved in the farming industry and its methods and techniques were not the same as those that were used at independence.

Mr Molao said in the international sphere, Botswana was committed to implementing the African Union Agenda 2063, the Sustainable Development Goals and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, which feed into the country’s Vision 2036 and national development plans.

He said government in recognition of the fact that agriculture is a source of income and food for Batswana, especially subsistence farmers, the ministry came up with initiatives to create jobs, boost the economy and in turn improve livelihoods of the country’s citizens.

Proposing a vote thanks, Debswana head of Ore Processing, Mr Edwin Elias said traditional methods of farming for subsistence only no longer have a place in the modern day trade and implored communal farmers to adapt to changes in technology in order to significantly increase food production.

He said changes in technology meant usage of suitable farming implements, right mix of fertilizers and the right set of skills in order to enhance production. ENDS