13 Feb 2024

Funding of the agriculture sector has been hailed as a crucial step towards bolstering self-sufficiency and food security.

Contributing to the 2024/2025 budget proposal debate on Monday, Kgalagadi North MP, Ms Talita Monnakgotla said government’s prioritisation of the agriculture sector would yield numerous benefits for the economy and Batswana.However, she expressed the need for injection of substantial funds to enable the sector to operate at its optimum capacity.

“More funds should be increased particularly in the Temo Letlotlo and Thuo Letlotlo programmes,” she said.

She also appreciated implementation of the Phuduhudu Artificial Insemination programme, which currently has 300 cattle with plans to expand the stock to 1 000.

On other issues, she called for the inclusion of the upgrading of health posts and clinics in rural areas in the health budget.

Concerning the MICE initiative, MP Monnakgotla applauded government for its effort to turn the country into a destination of choice.

“I would like to commend the Ministry of Finance for finding it fit to host the budget pitso for local authorities in the Kgalagadi North region,” she said.

She said  hosting the pitso had a positive impact on various sectors of Small Medium and Micro Enterprises in the region.

Furthermore, she highlighted the budget speech’s emphasis on job creation through upcoming projects, citing water and road maintenance initiatives in her region as examples.

“The Minister of Finance, Ms Peggy Serame said the extension of water infrastructure from Phuduhudu to Macheng would create employment opportunities for Batswana,” she said.

However, MP Monnakgotla also voiced concern over corruption, particularly among parliamentarians, warning of its detrimental effects on the economy.

She said collective action against corruption was necessary, emphasising its potential to undermine the nation’s economic stability. ENDS