Khama Appreciates Farmers� Resilience
Bonte Seepi | Monday August 7, 2017 17:06
Officiating at the Serowe District Agricultural Show last week, Khama said just before he took office in 2008, the government was struggling to promote agriculture because it was ruined by the drought from time to time. He said because of the drought, Batswana were giving up.
Khama said since the government has made agriculture one of its key priority areas through channelling funds into the sector, there has been growth in terms of production.
“It has been identified as one of the vital sectors that can contribute towards comprehensive economic diversity of the country from being a mineral-led economy. Since the introduction of ISPAAD last year, we tripled our cereal production,” he said.
He said it was so encouraging to see farmers, especially the youth and women holding on to farming to ensure that they feed the country. He further said the main aim of government’s effort is to complement efforts of farmers to be better placed to achieve their objectives, especially of ensuring that the country has food security.
He said such platforms like Agricultural Shows accord the farmers an opportunity to showcase their products as well as a chance to benchmark from the very best and network with others.
Khama said those are modalities to development and coming up with better and more viable products.
He therefore encouraged all farmers to continue with their commitment of producing quality agricultural products that end up on Batswana’s tables and grow the country’s economy. He added that their efforts will always be appreciated.
Khama said Batswana must note that some of the local farmers have produced some of the best products. He said even if one could go to any other country in Africa, some of the cattle and other products produced locally could still be the best.
He added: “I am sure we have set the pace and we won’t stop. I can reassure you that government’s commitment towards agriculture will continue undiminished.
If anything, there is a clear demonstration of commitment towards agriculture through increased investment in areas such as Research and Development (R&D) as seen through institutions such as Botswana Vaccine Institute (BVI). Identifying and improving breeds to ensure local sustainability to local conditions remains a priority.”
The President also applauded the exhibitors and encouraged them to continue to maintain their high standards, which have been improving significantly over the years. Noting the theme which was, ‘Agriculture, the driving force behind food security’, Khama said it was upon Batswana to fully utilise their arable land to produce food that could sustain it’s the people overtime.
According to him, a nation’s agricultural wealth is measured through the use of its arable land.
On his part, the CEO of the main sponsors of the show (CEDA), Thabo Thamane said CEDA will continue to support the agricultural sector as after the 2014 drought, CEDA invested P110 million into the agricultural sector in 2015-2016 year and this year they put in P100 million.
Meanwhile, Thamane expressed concern over farmers who still sell their arable land saying that is unacceptable as money roll out becomes high while there is no employment created.
Bangwato tribal leader, Kgosi Sediegeng Kgamane also encouraged farmers to never give up on farming and showcasing their products.