08 Jul 2024

Adopting modern technologies in the agricultural sector could be useful in harnessing opportunities in the value chain and contributing towards Botswana’s aspiration of food security.

Speaking at the inaugural Mabutsane District Show on July 6, held under the theme “Adopting Modern Technologies to Enhance Value Chain Development in the Agricultural Sector”, Jwaneng Mine Acting General Manager, Mr Goitseone Gadifele noted that such technologies could go a long way in enhancing productivity, quality as well as efficiency of the agricultural processes and practices.

“Modern technologies offer transformative opportunities across the entire agricultural value chain, from production and processing to distribution and marketing,” he said.

He noted that embracing new technologies would not only promote sustainable agricultural practices, but would also create new job opportunities, hence more economic growth. He underscored the need to build a robust and resilient sector which could contribute more to the country’s GDP and national development goals.

Mr Gadifele applauded stakeholders who conceptualised and contributed to the execution of Mabutsane District Show, which he said was aligned with the government’s goal of improving the agricultural sector through programmes such as Temo Letlotlo and Thuo Letlotlo. 

“These initiatives are designed to enhance productivity and elevate the quality of agricultural produce. It is therefore incumbent upon us, as responsible citizens, to commit ourselves to achieving these goals and enabling the agricultural sector to make substantial contributions to our nation’s GDP,” he noted.

He underscored the need for stakeholders to work together to reposition agriculture as an important economic pillar. 

He noted that concerted efforts would ensure that the sector sustained the economy of the country even beyond the lifespan of diamonds.

He said through the ‘From Diamonds to Mutton’ initiative, Debswana was committed to transforming the region into a food security hub through increased small stock production. 

Mr Gadifele said through the initiative, the company intended to facilitate farmers in the region to increase production as a way of establishing sustainable economic activities that would carry on beyond diamond production.

He regretted that the livestock population in the country had been experiencing a decline over the years, something which he said needed attention. 

“The time has come for us to be deliberate about our aspirations and actions. The agricultural sector, contributing 2 percent of Botswana’s GDP, with livestock alone contributing about 80 percent, underscores its critical importance. However, we have observed a decline in livestock population. This decline necessitates our participation in initiatives like this one aimed at reversing this trend,” he said.

He further called on communities to encourage young people to take agriculture seriously and use modern innovations to improve productivity and efficiency. 

Meanwhile, Mr Gadifele also handed over the P3 million Mabutsane Expo Centre project to Mabutsane District. The expo centre comprises perimeter fencing, power supply and reticulation, exhibition kraals, exhibition stalls and ablution facilities. Ends