23 Jan 2025

The success of Botswana’s horticulture sector and its potential to enhance the national GDP hinges on the establishment of strategic partnerships with the private sector.

Such collaborations are essential for providing vital agricultural inputs and mentorship that empower farmers to thrive.

Currently, agriculture contributes less than 2 per cent to Botswana's GDP, a situation compounded by the belief that farming inputs are prohibitively expensive. To combat this perception and promote smart agriculture, experienced mentors are needed to facilitate farmers’ adaptation to modern practices and improve productivity at the grassroots level.

Enter Irio Solutions, a company spearheaded by 34-year-old Motswana entrepreneur Ms Itumeleng Kanotunga from Rasesa. Irio Solutions has emerged as a key player in providing affordable irrigation systems, solar energy solutions, and water treatment services aimed at optimising resource management and enabling sustainable agricultural growth.

With offices in Letlhakane and Gaborone, Irio Solutions boasts a dedicated team of 23 employees committed to making farming more accessible and profitable for all. The company aims to fill the country's food basket by ensuring that a broad segment of the population engages in agriculture.

Ms Kanotunga explains in an interview that their warehouses span 2 000sqm and are stocked with modern irrigation supplies, including drip lines, spray tubes, sprinklers, and a complete range of pumps essential for effective irrigation design and installation.

In addition, she says, Irio Solutions offers a range of solar panels that perform optimally even in low-light conditions, enabling farmers to irrigate their crops efficiently. The company also supplies borehole pumps, inverters, and accessories, extending its solar panel offerings to households, responding to the demand for green energy solutions and reduced electricity costs.

To further support farmers, she states, the company provides crop protection solutions such as shade nets and greenhouse tunnels, underscoring that the harsh climatic conditions in Botswana lead to significant agricultural losses, highlighting the importance of investing in protective measures to enhance crop yields.

Addressing the quality of water available to farmers, she notes that many boreholes across the nation yielded salty water.

In response, Irio Solutions offers a variety of water treatment solutions, including water softening technologies for both borehole and reticulated water, to ensure safe consumption. The company supplies reverse osmosis machines and builds water shops, ensuring community access to treated water, she said.

All these products and services are readily available at Irio Solutions' warehouses, complete with training and installation support. Recognising the vital role of Small, Micro, and Macro Enterprises in the economy, Ms Kanotunga has initiated a reseller programme that trains and supports local entrepreneurs.

The first cohort comprises 23 resellers who are empowered to distribute agricultural inputs at discounted prices within their communities.

This strategic business model fosters mutual benefits, enhancing both Irio Solutions’ market presence and the dignity of resellers who are encouraged to grow their businesses, thereby contributing to national economic development.

Ms Kanotunga emphaises that Irio Solutions is more than just a supplier of agricultural inputs; it is a catalyst for change in Botswana's horticulture sector, committed to empowering farmers and fostering sustainable practices in the pursuit of economic growth. ENDS