19 Jul 2021

President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi has implored residents of Lorolwane in Southern District to help the country attain food security.

Dr Masisi said this during his meet and greet session with residents at the main kgotla, where he also donated 250 blankets to the elderly.

For the country to be self-sufficient, President Masisi said there had to be a significant increase of food production. He, however, urged residents to work hard, be resilient and utilise government economic empowerment programmes.

Dr Masisi said government was committed to developing the agricultural sector, hence beneficial programmes such as the Integrated Support Programme for Arable Agricultural Development (ISPAAD).

He, however, cautioned that the programme had in the past been abused as some farmers used it for monetary benefit only after which they abandoned their production areas.

Government’s investment in agricultural sector was significant as evidenced by robust programmes aimed at improving overall output, he said. The ISPAAD was under review so that it could bring the much desired results, he added.

Dr Masisi said one of the key priorities of government was to accelerate the implementation of programmes, adding that government would continue to strive for and identify the commercialisation of the sector in order to contribute to economic growth, diversification and achievement of food security at household and national level.

“Government is committed to developing a sustainable, technology-driven and commercially viable agricultural sector, which will be launched in due course. An aspect that we all need to utilise,” he said.

He said a viable sector would further promote agricultural transformation through technology and innovation as well as explore solutions for enhancing the productivity of food systems.

Dr Masisi said that would have a direct impact on the livelihoods of many people as there would be provision of food and employment throughout the country.

He added that such technology would ease provision of health services by enabling patients to be consulted online without having to visit the health facilities thereby reducing congestion.

Meanwhile, Dr Masisi called on Lorolwane residents to pray for peace and stability in South Africa, following the recent unrest that resulted in widespread looting and destruction of property in that country.

He shared that this could have lasting effects on Botswana as the country imported most food commodities from South Africa.

For his part, health and wellness minister, Dr Edwin Dikoloti also Member of Parliament for Mmathethe/Molapowabojang thanked the President for visiting them and for donating blankets.

He said the donation came at the right time and would keep them warm and comfortable in the harsh winter season.

In his welcome remarks, Kgosi Matlhoakgosi Matlho  thanked the President for notable developments in the village such as the construction of teachers’ houses.

Kgosi Matlho requested for the grading of access road to Kanye and provision of a caravan at the clinic to ease congestion.ends