14 Sep 2020

Ministries have been asked to facilitate the growth of agro-tourism and agribusiness through removal of all bottlenecks impeding agricultural based production.

“Ministries cannot afford to work in silos but all need to create an enabling environment for the growth of  agriculture,” Minister of Agricultural Development and Food Security Mr Karabo Gare said in an interview after yesterday’s cabinet and presidential COVID-19 task team meetings.

This week, President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi’s agro-tourism promotion initiative took the two high level meetings to Canaan Farm in the Kgatleng District.

Minister Gare described the initiative,  which promoted agro-tourism as a source of economic diversification and development, as a well-placed strategy.

There could never be an opportune time  to unlock the much needed jobs, reduce import bill and attain food security than prioritising agro-business as a nation, he said.

Mr Gare explained that his ministry’s role was to provide technical assistance to farmers to attain maximum production and ensure sustainable food security.

 He advised farmers to venture into integrated agriculture with the assistance of the 4th industrial revolution and agribusiness promotion initiatives.

  Farmers were further advised to diversify farming methods in order to fully maximize on farm land and continually generate revenue.

   For his part, Canaan Farm owner Mr Spencer Kaisara applauded the promotion of agro-tourism saying it presented an unique opportunity for farmers to showcase their products and also served to motivate them to ensure livelihoods sustainability through agricultural products.

 

   On another presidential initiative, the quality small stock breeds donation, Mr Kaisara said it would go a long way in empowering and developing grassroots farmers, who would ultimatelycontribute to the country’s food basket. BOPA