Africa-Press – Botswana. Government has set aside P6 million to develop the National Agriculture Show grounds.
Speaking at the ribbon dressing and prize-giving ceremony during the National Agriculture Show on Wednesday, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture, Ms Nancy Chengeta, said the project would be done before the next national agriculture show.
Ms Chengeta said the funds would go towards improving the state of kraals and exhibition areas, and also called on the private sector to assist in developing the area.
Ms Chengeta said government was committed to developing the agriculture sector, revealing that at the beginning of September this year, government would introduce a new initiative to tap semen from farms at a subsidized price.
“This will help reduce costs of semen importation and it will also be an opportunity for farmers and the livestock sector to preserve semen and reduce the costs of buying live bulls.
This will also give an opportunity to farmers, especially young and upcoming ones” she said.
She said the bulls would have to be registered if farmers wanted to sell semen.
“Guidelines to the new initiative, including price will be revealed during its launch, and I would encourage farmers to be ready to take advantage of this initiative,” she said.
Ms Chengeta said a new initiative, Temo Letlotlo, which aimed at increasing production and promoting commercialization would be launched soon.
She said the government planned to withdraw from agricultural shows and give farmers the driving seat to run them.
“We believe that as farmers, you are better placed to organize and run these shows as is an international practice,” she said. “Government will only offer its support services.”
Ms Chengeta applauded farmers for bringing quality exhibits in the livestock and crops sectors despite challenges such as COVID-19 and persistent droughts.
She urged farmers to share notes and collaborate for the betterment of their products and to increase the variety of breeds, which would be indicative of growth.
The farmers expressed their excitement at the event after a three-year hiatus and appreciated government’s support for the sector. During the prize-giving ceremony, Grandin Stud from Ghanzi won the Grand Champion of the Yard in the cattle category, with the Reserve Champion going to Tholo Holdings from Gabane.
Faheem Kala of Gakuto won both Grand Champion of the Yard and its Reserve Champion in goat production.
Phillip Van Niekerk and Hennie Schutte, both from Tsetsebjwe won Grand Champion of the Yard and its reserve respectively in the sheep production. Nomathemba Masuku of Malotwana won the Grand Champion of the Yard and its reserve in pig production.
Similarly, Clement Boitswarelo of Tsolamosese won in the poultry section while Keith Rabbit Empire and Ofentse Tshukudu both of Broadhurst won Grand Champion of the Yard and its reserve respectively in rabbit production. Freedom Tarea, Emelang Molokwe and Pelonomi Gabaeme won Grand Champions in horticulture, rainfed and food processing.
For More News And Analysis About Botswana Follow Africa-Press
