10 Nov 2025

The long-abandoned Francistown horticultural market is set to reopen and offer a central selling point for local farmers.

The market, located behind the Fire Station, has been renovated and is expected to be operational by December 10. The facility features cold rooms and will provide the much-needed space for horticultural farmers to sell their produce.

Speaking at a recent workshop on small-scale broiler production and horticultural entrepreneurship, horticulturist, Mr Mooketsi Busang from DIPATA horticultural cluster near Ditladi village, emphasised the potential of agriculture for quick returns with proper management.

Mr Busang encouraged young people to commercialise agriculture and avoid what he termed ‘Facebook farming,’ and highlighted that farming was expensive but rewarding.

He highlighted challenges facing farmers, which included disease outbreaks, climate change, market access and criminal activities. He thus urged farmers to consider large-scale potato farming, owing to its lucrative returns.

Another horticulturist and DIPATA public relations officer, Ms Lilian Moremi, advised young farmers to research and start small, given the sector’s value chain development and potential for employment.

Broiler farmer, Mr Karrel Ludick shared his experience and emphasised the importance of good management, hygiene, feeding and temperature regulation.

Kelly Maphucheka, founder of Feed a Child Movement, said the workshop aimed to engage young people in dialogue on issues affecting their growth and participation in national development.

Ms Maphucheka explained that people often took the movement as that of only feeding the child but “we also nature talent and skills hence we organised this workshop to up skill young father with good knowledge.”

She added that the workshop was not first they had conducted, having conducted similar workshops in the past in different sectors of the economy.

Tonota District Council chairperson, Mr Neo Sefhume advised participants to prioritise integrity, avoid corrupt practices and capitalise on government initiatives that supported businesses.

Meanwhile, the workshop was orgainsed in conjunction with Feed a Child Movement and Botswana Community Trust. ENDS