07 Jul 2024

Abound opportunities in Thuo Letlotlo programme   can unlock untapped agriculture value chain and bolster economic development.

The sentiments were made by Ministry of Agriculture, principal scientific officer, Mr Kgotso Oteng and Letlhakeng District Agricultural   Coordinator, Mr Thomas Tadubana when addressing Letlhakeng residents about Thuo Letlotlo Livestock Support Programme recently.

Mr Oteng, who implored Batswana to embrace the diverse and unique opportunities presented by  Thuo Letlotlo  said such opportunities could be a game changer towards livelihoods and the country’s economy.

He explained that the programme did not only seek to nourish the nation or fulfil  food security but it also sought to unlock the untapped agriculture value chain and bolster economic development.

Packages such as leather collection and training as well as dairy production are examples of those aimed at enhancing value chain addition and subsequently creating job opportunities and bolstering the economy, Mr Tadubana said 

He added that since the programme covered diverse activities, there was potential for it to be a vehicle towards economic diversification and expand the exportation of agricultural products.

Mr Tadubana implored the community to exploit untapped activities such as breeding dogs, donkeys and horses.

He said through stud breeding package, the quality of livestock would improve.

Programme enhancers, which is a package meant to assist beneficiaries to increase production efficiency, he said would boost resilience on beneficiaries.   

He said if Batswana could exploit Thuo Letlotlo, there would be food security and job opportunities, noting that the programme catered for service providers as well.

Mr Tadubana said as the programme had a productivity based reward package for small scale farmers up to large scale, productivity and quality were taken care of and called for mindset change and for farmers to adopt modern ways of farming and good agricultural management practices.

Attendants hailed Thuo Letlotlo programme as a beacon of hope for the country. ENDS