11 Mar 2014

The Assistant Minister of Agriculture, Mr Oreeditse Molebatsi has told Parliament that the Agricultural Services Support Project (ASSP) is a five year project intended to augment the Integrated Support Programme from Arable Agricultural Development (ISPAAD).

He said the programme was a co-funded project between the government of Botswana and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD).

Mr Molebatsi stated that its objective was to facilitate small holder farmers to be self-reliant leading to sustainable agricultural sector and contribute to reduction of rural poverty and food security as well as improved livelihoods of rural communities.

ASSP is focusing amongst others on establishing Agricultural Service Centres (ASCs) and on improvement of extension service generally.

He said although there were some delays at the inception a 29 hectare irrigation scheme demonstrates a viable model for small scale irrigation based on treated waste water is being established in Palapye.

Mr Molebatsi said the area has been cleared and fenced; the Environmental Impact assessment, design and supervision of the project have been evaluated for award.

The assistant minister stated that three ASCs are under construction at Jwaneng, Tonota and Parakarungu. He said the ministry is in discussion with the private sector on operations of these facilities with Debswana collaborating to participate in the Jwaneng one.

He stated that 104 farmers have been trained countrywide in conservation farming and some are already applying it so that they could reap the benefits of “farming smart”.

Mr Molebatsi said 10 old landcrusers have been refurbished five new vehicles have been purchased to improve extension service outreach. The assistant minister said as the project is just started it is too early to say if the intended objectives have been achieved or not.

He said from the progress achieved they are confident that the intended objectives will be achieved. MP for Okavango, Mr Bagalatia Arone had asked him to give an update on the Agricultural Support Project which was co-funded by the international Fund for Agricultural Development and say whether its intended objectives have been achieved. ENDS