20 Nov 2024

The new government is set to focus on boosting agricultural productivity, enhancing food security and developing sustainable farming practices to ensure long-term prosperity for all Batswana.

It will also bring in new industries.

Delivering a State-of-the-Nation Address in Gaborone on Tuesday, President Advocate Duma Boko said the initiatives geared towards achieving this would include; modernising agriculture, soil health and sustainable practices, boosting food security and support for small-scale farmers.

“Agriculture has always been a cornerstone of our nation’s economy, yet it remains underdeveloped in many regions. The challenges we face, from climate change to outdated farming techniques, demand bold and strategic reforms,” he said.

Modernising agriculture, President Boko said would promote the use of agricultural technology to enhance productivity, through precision farming, smart water management systems, soil enhancement technologies and regenerative agriculture ‘which can help our farmers optimise crop yields, conserve water and adapt to the challenges posed by climate change’.

Soil Health and Sustainable Practices, he said, would encourage sustainable farming practices to improve soil health and ensure long-term agricultural productivity, which would not only help increase yields, but also preserve the fertility of the land for future generations.

Government, the President said, would also boost food security by investing in food processing industries to add value to raw agricultural products and reduce reliance on food imports.

Processing local crops into finished products, he said, would help create new jobs, reduce waste and improve food security across the country.

Additionally, he said government would ensure that smallholder farmers had access to resources, training and financing they needed to succeed.

“Supporting rural farmers will be key to improving livelihoods, increasing food production, and reducing poverty in our rural communities,” he added. ENDS