Africa-Press – Botswana. Temo Boswa Arable Farmers Assocition has made significant strides in producing high-quality products.
This was said by Dr Marape Marape at the association’s harvest day in Gulushabe farms near Tonota on Saturday. Dr Marape, a medical practioner, said Temo Boswa farmers understood the importance of modern farming, which he said was crucial for production. Therefore, he commended farmers for their commitment to enhancing food security.
He acknowledged the association’s collaboration with private companies like Agrizor, which provided quality-tested seeds, fertilizers, biochemicals, soil testing and education on modern farming techniques.
Furthermore, he encouraged farmers to take advantage of government agricultural initiatives to increase production, particularly for commercial purposes. He also stressed the importance of safety in farming, urging farmers to be knowledgeable about the chemicals they use on their crops.
The Director of Temo Boswa Arable Farmers Association, Nchenje Mogapi highlighted the association’s mission to unify farmers and promote agricultural practices for commercial success.
“The government encourages food security, and we share knowledge on how to increase production,” he said.
Additionally, Mr Mogapi noted that since its inception in 2019 with 38 members, the association had grown to 116 members. He pointed out that the association adheres to established rules and principles to ensure a serious approach to farming.
Mr Mogapi also said that they embraced modern farming techniques tailored to the crops suitable for their region. He said they faced challenges such as changes in council tenders that have affected sales to schools. However, he expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Land and Agriculture for initiatives such as fencing fields, which had helped protect crops from being destroyed by animals.
Deputy Director of Crops, Ms Monia Mfolwe commended the farmers for their achievements, affirming that their determination would contribute positively to food security. She encouraged farmers to inform the ministry about their produce to prioritise local sourcing before looking abroad. Ms Mfolwe also urged farmers to always check on with the Ministry to gain further knowledge, particularly regarding chemical use in agriculture.
The harvest day served as a platform for celebrating success, sharing knowledge and reinforcing the importance of modern farming practices among the members of the Temo Boswa Arable Farmers Association and other farmers from different areas.
For More News And Analysis About Botswana Follow Africa-Press
