04 Aug 2024

Agriculture remains one of the most impactful and identified sectors to diversify the economy of Botswana, says the Minister of Agriculture, Mr Fidelis Molao.

Speaking at the Chobe Agricultural Show in Pandamatenga on Thursday, Mr Molao said the ministry was committed to work with farmers in order to feed the nation, create wealth through various availed government programmes to improve socio-economic status and sustain the livelihoods of Batswana.

He said Pandamatenga was essential in production of crops contributing 47 per cent of Botswana’s crop production.

Mr Molao said the total land under production in Pandamatenga had risen from 25 000 hectares to 45 000 hectares over the years while the number of individual farms had increased from 50 to 75.

He said Pandamatenga Commercial Farms continued to expand and evolve, attracting investment and implementing innovative agricultural practices hence contributing to the development of the agricultural sector in Botswana.

For his part, Pandamatenga Commercial Farmers Association chairperson, Mr Jaco Strachan said Pandamatenga like other regions experienced the worst drought in 40 years hence only ploughed 40 per cent of fields.

“As farmers, we are resilient in adversity because we want to produce food for Batswana through the support of government.”

Mr Strachan thanked government for the new grain silos and assured that Pandamatenga farmers would work hard to fill the 90 000 tonnes total capacity on a good year with adequate rain.

He asked President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi to open doors to discuss more opportunities like adequate electricity supply, water irrigation systems and Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) seedlings.

Furthermore, Mr Strachan emphasised the need for collaboration between farmers, government, funders and private sector so as to feed Botswana.

MP for Chobe, Mr Machana Shamukuni said the agricultural show offered a platform for farmers in Chobe to share experiences and knowledge and opportunities to learn from others. ENDS