24 Jun 2024

Value addition in the agricultural sector does not only have direct benefit to farmers, but will also position agriculture as an alternative national economic mainstay.

This, therefore, calls for farmers to strive to improve their practices to contribute towards the country’s aspirations of attaining food security through innovative ideas that exploits the value chains, says Minister of Entrepreneurship, Mr Karabo Gare.

Mr Gare was speaking during the Southern District Beef Farmers Association (SDBFA) Field Day at Bohiwakgomo Ranch near Thankane on Saturday.

He said agriculture provided a sustainable alternative source for the economy to thrive beyond diamond mining.

“Our economy has been based on diamond mining for a long time, but we have to acknowledge that not only is mining becoming expensive, at some point the minerals will also finish,” he noted.

He underscored the need for farmers and other stakeholders to work together to cushion the sector against adverse drought effects.

 He also urged farmers to make use of Temo Letlotlo and Thuo Letlotlo to enhance quality and production, for them to derive ultimate value from their enterprises.

He implored farmers to devise response mechanisms towards unfavourable climatic conditions, which hamper productivity and the country’s food security objectives. He urged them to bring young people into the agricultural sector to continue their legacy.

“We must bring in young people who will carry on the legacy and also come with new innovative ideas through the use government programmes such as CEDA and LEA,” he said.

Notwithstanding, Mr Gare appreciated contribution made by SDBFA founding and current members towards the agricultural sector, despite challenges they endure. 

He applauded them for effectively bringing farmers together to speak in one voice and achieve a collective objective.

However, he regretted that there had been delays with sale of cattle at the Botswana Meat Commission (BMC) abattoir, owing to the maintenance of the main boiler. 

Subsequently, he urged BMC to engage stakeholders on such setbacks which inconvenienced farmers, particularly causing delays and backlogs on payments.

A master cattle breeder in the area, Mr Basimanyana Masire emphasised the need for farmers to associate and tackle challenges together as a unit. 

He also appreciated contribution of other stakeholders such as government and business partners who continued to support farmers towards their goal of feeding the nation.

Furthermore, he commended SDBFA leadership for continuing the legacy, despite challenges they faced, noting that the objective should be to unite and be a support system to both upcoming and established farmers. ends