Young Motswana aims for success in horticulture
Correspondent | Monday February 29, 2016 18:00
“It’s been five years now since my business started operating. It has been growing at a fairly impressive rate,” Monageng said with a heavy bout of optimism.
Monageng is the proud owner of a vegetable growing business, United Days (PTY) Ltd, a venture he established in 2011. The business is located at Monarch location along Ntshe River.
“I have always been passionate about growing crops. Even during my school days, I was good in agriculture,” said Monageng, who holds a holds an Advanced Diploma in IT.
He added that he attended a week-long basic horticulture course.
Monageng also said that he noticed a gap in the horticultural market, which is why he opted for the business.
“Most horticultural products, especially vegetables come from South Africa, which means that there is an opportunity for Batswana to venture into the industry (horticulture),” he said. Monageng grows vegetables such as cabbage, green pepper, onion and spinach and sells them to established chain stores such as Pick ’n’ Pay and Spar among others.
He also sells his produce to individuals and street vendors.
However, Monageng said his business has not been immune to challenges that affect new businesses. “The cost of seeds and fertiliser is too high. This means that I cannot maximise production as I can only afford a limited number of seeds and fertilisers,” he said.
Monageng sources raw materials from Haskins, Building Material Suppliers and Agrichem.
He added that he is unfazed by the threat of big companies in his line of work.
He said: “My products are relatively cheaper, which gives me an edge in the market”.
Monageng put in his own his own capital to start the business, but also received funding from the Ministry of Youth, Sport and Culture through the Youth Development Fund (YDF). He used most of his money to erect a drip irrigation system.
“I want to transform my business into a venture that can be recognised not only in Francistown but also around the country and employ more people,” he said.
So far, his business has three employees.
He markets his business through social media, word of mouth and pamphlets.