07 Nov 2022

Agricultural value chain to attain has been identified as a critical component in attaining food security and job creation.

Speaking during the Agro products processing exhibition, held under the theme: ‘Attaining food security through innovation and vital partnerships’, in Gookodisa on Saturday, a representative from South African based Agricultural Research Council, Dr Lerato Matsaunyane said it was important to understand the value chain.

She said apart from attaining food security, the value chain could create employment and ultimately contribute to the national economy.

“Workers will be needed at farms and all along the value chain, for example work force will be needed to produce seeds, plant, transportation of the produce to the market as well as in packaging of products in many different forms,” she added.

Fir instance, she said shelf life for vegetables could be increased through making tomato paste and frozen chips, which contribute to employment creation.

Dr Matsaunyane highlighted that in order to be sustainable in farming, there was need to invest time and energy in the sector as well as reducing the input costs.

“There are many different ways of cutting costs such as production of own seeds,” she said.

For his part, Kgosi Edward Keloneilwe of Gookodisa applauded Farmers Clan for hosting an event, which has the capacity to grow the agricultural sector.

“This is a platform to exchange ideas, network and disseminate information that would assist in growing the sector, I therefore urge Batswana to make use of this great opportunity,” he said.

Assistant District Commissioner for Moshupa, Mr Tshepo Kgotso said the event was a great initiative and thanked the organisers for having managed to bring people together during difficult times of high costs of living.

This sector, he said has challenges, therefore it was vital to attend  events for networking and exchanging of ideas.

He further urged farmers to take their craft seriously and understand which crops to grow on their fields and when.

Mr Kgotso advised attendees to make use of their back yards to grow their vegetables particularly considering the high costs of life.

“You are not supposed to be buying everything, while you have land to plant on, surplus produce from your back yard could be sold to others,” he added.

Mr Ronald Lekokoma from the office of the Member of Parliament for Moshupa/Manyana said it was time for Batswana to feed the nation and stop relying on other countries.

“We have been relying on other countries to supply us with different produce, but COVID-19 has taught us that we can feed ourselves, Re tshwanelwa ke go ipelega,” he added.

He thanked Farmers Clan for organising the event, which would guide farmers on what channels to follow in an effort to feed the nation.

Farmers Clan director, Mr Omphemetse Mogorosi said the event highlighted the opportunities in the value chain, motivated and encouraged the nation to play their part in attaining food security.

“We are gathered here to educate the nation on how to exploit the agricultural value chain, which would create employment and eventually contribute to the national economy,” he said.

In future, he said with the information gathered at the event, local products should be seen competing in the international market.

Mr Mogorosi said he was happy with the delivery especially considering that it was the first edition.

However, he said there were lessons learnt from the event, which would help them improve the second edition.

Mr Mogorosi said most of the exhibitors were happy as their products were now known by people around the country, adding that the event was a platform to market, network and exchange ideas, which would lead to growth of the agricultural sector.

He appealed to potential investors to assist in growing the agricultural sector and eventually contribute to attainment of food security.Different presentations were delivered on the day such as vegetable processing, hydroponic systems, Layers value chain, fruits and vegetables preservation methods as well as treatment and improving lotlhaka for feeding animals. ENDS