Africa-Press – Botswana. Farming has the potential, not to only provide food security and nutrition to the nation, but it is also a critical sector to drive the overall economic development.
Officiating at Matlapaneng Farmers Association field day on Saturday, Botswana National Beef Producers Union (BNBPU) executive committee member, Mr Motswara Lemo said farming had taken centre stage as one of the possible and impactful endeavours to transform Botswana.
Speaking on behalf of BNBPU chairperson, Mr Mpaphi Phumaphi, he said farming was one of the keyways through which economic diversification and prosperity could be achieved.
He called on farmers to take charge of the industry and avoid overdependence on government. Government, he said, had her own challenges and farmers were obliged to fill the void. Instead of relying on government, he said, they should cohesively work together and uplift one another.
Mr Lemo said an event like Matlapaneng farmers field day was a great example of what farmers could achieve when they work together.
He stated that gone were the days when farmers operated in silos, saying that the ever-changing agricultural landscape called for cattle farmers to unite with purpose.
“Information exchange and networking which happens during events such as this one that we have today goes a long way in bringing farmers together,” he said, adding that cattle farming had to be taken to a high level.
He added: “Some people associate commercialisation of cattle rearing with big farms and ranches. It is worth noting that this can still be achieved in our own modest and small holdings.”
He said smart agriculture and use of technology was no longer a luxury, but a necessity in farming.
He said as the country was experiencing severe drought due to El Nino effect, the answers to such challenges were in the use of adaptation and mitigation interventions that could assist farmers live through such challenging moments. As an example, he said technology could be used in the regeneration of pastures.
He also said reproductive technologies such as Artificial Insemination and embryo transfer could be used in agriculture, adding that with rising cost of operations, efficiencies can be achieved through the use of improved practices. He was hopeful that establishment of a meat regulatory authority would liberate the beef industry.
Mr Lemo said the event theme “Collaboration, Smart Farming are the Key to Sustainable Communal” stroked a chord with what BNBPU advocates for. He encouraged Matlapaneng Farmers Association to join BNBPU to enable easier achievement of goals.
Matlapaneng farmers group chairperson, Mr Mozambique Goboletswe, said through their association they share skills and experiences, and conduct benchmarking exercises in efforts to improve their farming.
“Tackling challenges as a group bore fruits,” Mr Goboletswe said. He said embracing and incorporating smart and precision agriculture to achieve high yield with less input was their way of life. He regretted that past veldt fires exacerbated drought.
He appealed for sponsorship to help Matlapeng Farmers’ Association saying it would help grow the farming industry..
Mr Tshoganetso Leuwe, the MP for Takatokwane, commended Ministry of Agriculture for being the pillar of strength for farmers. He appealed to the Ministry of Entrepreneurship to come on board, to help transform farming into a business.
Mr Leuwe said agriculture value chain should be fully tapped into and be exploited to help improve the economy and livelihood of Batswana. He implored farmers to strive to live decent lives.
He said the success of the farmers’ day, hosted by Ms Martha Visagie, was a testament that women too were making strides in farming and meaningfully contributing to the economy.
Mr Orata Goboiwang of the Department of Veterinary Services, encouraged farmers to register their holdings with the department of veterinary services in order to supply the European Union market.
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