Vice President officially opens Kgatleng Agriculture show
18 Jul 2025
Vice President, Ndaba Gaolathe today officially opened Kgatleng District Trade and Agriculture Show in Mochudi.
During his address, Mr Gaolathe highlighted government's commitment to transforming the sector.
"When I presented the 2025/26 budget speech before Parliament, I clarified that agriculture is no longer a peripheral sector. It is at the heart of our goals for economic recovery, food security, resilience, export growth, and rural transformation," he stated.
He further explained that the government was reforming and expanding the sector not merely for subsistence but to generate jobs, foster industrialisation, boost trade, and promote inclusive growth.
"Every Motswana, young and old, male and female, must find a place in this revolution," Gaolathe added.
Addressing the state of the Botswana Meat Commission (BMC), he noted that the once-dominant continental giant faced longstanding inefficiencies, leading to lost market confidence, delayed payments to farmers, and diminished exports.
To address the commission's challenges, Mr Gaolathe said government had invested P230 million into the BMC, including refurbishments at Lobate Tannery. Additionally, he said, construction of a meat value-addition and secondary processing plant was underway.
The Vice President also provided updates on other strategic initiatives, such as the Milk Valley Farm, which began operations in June 2014 with capacity for 2 000 milking cows, each producing over 20 liters of milk daily.
He further highlighted the importance of the Botswana Vaccine Institute, describing it as a national asset. The institute is undergoing a revitalisation strategy to diversify vaccine production beyond foot-and-mouth disease vaccines, expanding into poultry vaccines and fill-finish facilities.
The strategy also aims to establish the Africa’s largest antigen bank.ENDS
During his address, Mr Gaolathe highlighted government's commitment to transforming the sector.
"When I presented the 2025/26 budget speech before Parliament, I clarified that agriculture is no longer a peripheral sector. It is at the heart of our goals for economic recovery, food security, resilience, export growth, and rural transformation," he stated.
He further explained that the government was reforming and expanding the sector not merely for subsistence but to generate jobs, foster industrialisation, boost trade, and promote inclusive growth.
"Every Motswana, young and old, male and female, must find a place in this revolution," Gaolathe added.
Addressing the state of the Botswana Meat Commission (BMC), he noted that the once-dominant continental giant faced longstanding inefficiencies, leading to lost market confidence, delayed payments to farmers, and diminished exports.
To address the commission's challenges, Mr Gaolathe said government had invested P230 million into the BMC, including refurbishments at Lobate Tannery. Additionally, he said, construction of a meat value-addition and secondary processing plant was underway.
The Vice President also provided updates on other strategic initiatives, such as the Milk Valley Farm, which began operations in June 2014 with capacity for 2 000 milking cows, each producing over 20 liters of milk daily.
He further highlighted the importance of the Botswana Vaccine Institute, describing it as a national asset. The institute is undergoing a revitalisation strategy to diversify vaccine production beyond foot-and-mouth disease vaccines, expanding into poultry vaccines and fill-finish facilities.
The strategy also aims to establish the Africa’s largest antigen bank.ENDS
Source : BOPA
Author : Phenyo Moalosi
Location : Mochudi
Event : Kgatleng Agriculture show
Date : 18 Jul 2025
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