Africa-Press – Botswana. Farmers have been urged to exploit agricultural value addition to boost the economy.
Officiating the ninth edition of Motokwe Integrated District Show, acting deputy permanent secretary in the Ministry of Land and Agriculture, Dr Kefentse Motshegwa underscored the importance and urgency of prioritising agricultural value addition rather than solely focusing on agricultural production.
He said that despite various challenges facing the agricultural sector, including rangeland degradation and the spread of invasive weeds, the opportunity was now to leverage agricultural value addition for significant economic impact. He said enhancing production levels and effectively exploiting its value addition, the nation would realise its aspirations to reduce economic disparities between the haves and the have-nots and fostering inclusivity, at the same time boosting the national economy.
Dr Motshegwa called upon institutions such as National Agricultural Research and Development Institute and Botswana University of Agriculture and Natural Resources to conduct comprehensive research addressing challenges posed by climate change, and to develop sustainable solutions that promoted value addition. Furthermore, he advocated for policy reforms to adapt to existing conditions.
Kgosi Batho Tshoso of Motokwe appealed to government to enhance control measures against troublesome Cenchrus Biflorus, commonly referred to as tlolela, which is a threat to both arable and pastoral farming in the region. He also highlighted the issue of bush encroachment, that negatively impacted rangeland and called on government to establish fire breakers. Chairperson of the Letlhakeng District Council, Mr Gordon Mokgwathi commended event organisers, stating that their efforts to revitalise the economies of Motokwe could not go unnoticed.
During a tour of the exhibition stalls, Molepolole CEDA branch manager, Mr Phepo Sampson, reported that in Kweneng region, CEDA funded 95 cattle breeding projects within communal areas, to a total of P23.7 million, of which P6.2 million funded projects in Motokwe, Tsetseng, and Dutlwe areas, which are 27 in total.
For More News And Analysis About Botswana Follow Africa-Press
