Africa-Press – Botswana. There is a need to explore and unlock the opportunities in value chain development.
Speaking at the official opening of the third annual Agro-Products Processing exhibition organised by Farmer’s Clan at Homestead Farm, Mmathethe/MolapowabojangMP, Dr Edwin Dikoloti said there was potential for growth and job creation in the value chain development sector, adding, however, that few people tapped into the sector.
“Government through its fourth priority, is fully committed to prioritising value chain development and unlocking more value in key sectors such as agriculture,” he said.
He said the priority was aimed at accelerating economic diversification and youth development and its growth.
In that regard, he urged those already in the agricultural sector and mostly the youth, to explore how they could utilise government initiatives to venture into such businesses.
“Initiatives such as Chema Chema, Temo Letlotlo, Thuo Letlotlo are available for your benefit and can be utilised at your advantage,” he said.
Dr Dikoloti further advised those already in the field to establish how they could utilise their field fully through venturing into value chain development.
He said more jobs could be created in value chain development, as it involved increased product range which attracted high profit turnover.
Dr Dikoloti implored them to engage with those in the exhibition and benchmark with the view to establishing how they could also participate in the process.
“There are so many opportunities in the value chain development that can be explored such as fishery, dog breeding and horticulture,” he said.
He cited as examples demand for herbs, turmeric, strawberries, and moringa which have not been explored.
Dr Dikoloti said government had established the meat regulatory authority with the view to ease doing business in the sector.
He further indicated that Batswana could also identify how they could benefit from the reviewed Plant Varieties Bill which aimed to protect plant breeding and breeder’s rights presenting opportunity for breeders to come up with plants that could withstand the local climatic conditions.
“Through this reviewed bill, which is intended for Batswana to benefit, breeders can now specialise in breeding and have their breeder’s rights protected,” he said. He said attaining food security and ensuring food availability began at home, and therefore he urged all to ensure they play their part.
On the objectives of the day, founder of Farmers’s Clan, Mr Omphemetse Mogorosi said the idea behind the event was to shed knowledge and encourage farmers to venture into value chain development.
He said though more farmers were into horticulture, value chain development was yet fully explored.
In his remarks, director of Ramogomana, an agricultural supplies company, Mr Peter Badenhorst encouraged farmers to be passionate in their work.
“Farming requires discipline and hard-work as a standard, and this can take you to higher level,” he said.
He advised them to turn challenges into opportunities and to always put their customers first in what they do.
“As Ramogomana, we pride ourselves with customer satisfaction and sustainable solution, hence the need to regularly being on-site,” he said.
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