20 Sep 2023

Impact Accelerator Subsidy (IAS) under the Intergrated Support Programme for Arable Agriculture Development (ISPAAD) can catalyse improved production of vegetables and fruits for both local and export markets.

Speaking at a horticultural business roundtable for Bobonong, Motlhabaneng, Mathathane, Molalatau and Tsetsebjwe farmers’ committees yesterday, crop production officer, Mr Calie Smarts called on farmers to apply for IAS in good numbers and put the programme to good use while it lasted.

Taking up the IAS in good numbers, he said, would help propel Bobirwa into a horticultural production hub.

“Don’t let your children spit on your grave for failing to utilise a programme that could have alleviated you from poverty and consequently, leaving behind some inheritance for them,” said Mr Smarts urging farmers to consider broadening their scope.

He said IAS was open to emerging and established farmers and had various components such as irrigation equipment, borehole equipping, connection to power, pack house and inputs.

“To benefit from all these, farmers will have to pay half of the total amount while National Development Bank foots the other half of the bill,” Mr Smarts explained.

He revealed that the programme was birthed out of findings that farmers struggled during COVID-19 with low yields.

“Pre-COVID-19 we were dependent on fruits and vegetables from other countries and we learnt invaluable lessons when we experienced shortages hence IAS to stir farmers into increasing production,” he said.

Though meant to assist farmers with production structures and inputs to start off or improve on their current production yields, Mr Smarts said only 19 farmers applied for various components of IAS in Bobirwa while only 15 applied in Selebi Phikwe. 

He added that of the 19 who applied in Bobirwa, 15 were approved while only nine were approved in Selebi Phikwe.

Although he could not determine the reasons behind low uptake, Mr Smarts said application for the programme was not tedious as prospective clients needed only to be Batswana who were 18 years and above.

Over and above that, he said, ‘prospective clients have to source three to five quotations. No business plan is required’.

However, he said a farmer had to have a farm registered in their names of properly sublet.

As an advantage to taking up the IAS, he said, the programme encouraged the use of green technology and consequently an improved output in the midst of climate change.

Responding to complaints that 50 per cent share on the farmer’s side was too steep for emerging farmers especially the youth, Mr Smarts said the youth had other programmes to benefit from such as the Youth Development Fund  and they could apply for IAS in future when they were established.

He also said groups, although hardly successful, were also allowed to apply for IAS. ENDS