13 Jun 2022

A review will follow after the two year restriction on the importation of certain fruits and vegetables, to identify other commodities that could be added to the list.

Speaking during a visit to Impala Training Centre in the outskirts of Francistown recently, Minister of Agriculture, Mr Fidelis Molao said the restriction would not to be lifted in the near future.

Mr Molao said the ministry wanted to see the centre turn into a productive and effective facility that the ministry could be proud of.

“I urge supermarkets to encourage farmers to produce fruits and vegetables that are of good quality and of high standard,” he said.

Mr Molao advised farmers to start cluster farming and work together to produce more so that they could realise profits healthy enough to sustain their businesses.

He further advised that farmers should not rely overly on government but find ways of sustaining themselves and in turn support one another.

“I also urge you to learn to make use of small pieces of land to produce more and feed the nation and the region at large,” he said.

North East District Council deputy chairperson, Mr Kudzani Tobokwani said although the ministry supported the centre, equipment was inadequate and hoped they would be availed in the near future. He encouraged Batswana to make use of the centre adding, Batswana had taken to vegetable and fruit production albeit at a small scale. ENDS