10 Feb 2020

The 4^th annual edition of Matsieng Pop-Up farm market is scheduled for March 28 at Matsieng Home Gardens near the Matsieng footprints historical site. 

The event organiser, Ms Nteba Sentsho said the event usually attracted a range of displays from crop production, stock production, agro-processing, soil science, animal health, crafts, food, drinks and semi-processed products amongst many others. 

“The pop-up farm market will promote and market viable agricultural businesses in the areas of horticulture, stock production, agro-processing and animal health among others,” she explained. She said the pop-up market was not only limited to business activities, but would also promote leisure since the day would be filled with entertainment suitable for families. 

Ms Sentsho said their mandate was to give farmers and agricultural-related businesses exposure to a wider and diverse audience, potential new markets and a platform to promote sales, market and expand networks. 

She said agriculture was an important sector in economic development and poverty alleviation drive of many countries. 

“Investing in agriculture is not only one of the most effective strategies to improve food security and promote sustainability, but it is also essential to the country’s economic development,” she said. 

Ms Sentsho said participating in agricultural activities would enable those interested in the agricultural sector to venture into related businesses and have access to free markets. 

“We advise the youth to take up projects in the agricultural sector for self-employment as there are opportunities in this sector considering the country’s high import bill in the agriculture sector,” she said. 

Furthermore, Ms Sentsho said government had availed funds to support the sector through various programmes, and urged the youth to use the programmes to make a living for themselves.

 She applauded President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi for naming agriculture as one of his priority agendas and urged farmers to join farmers’ associations in order to state their concerns in one voice. 

“This helps farmers to participate in formulation and implementation of policies aimed at developing the sector,” she said. Ms Sentsho said the first event had 31 exhibitors who participated and had over 500 attendees who graced the event. 

“With this fourth edition we anticipate an increased number of exhibitors as well as good attendance,” said ms Sentsho. 

She appreciated media coverage and said without the media, their event could not have been known by many, and called for continued collaboration with them. ENDS