Botswana: The Minister of Entrepreneurship, Karabo S. Gare, officiated at the Pitseng Farmers Day, which was held over the weekend. During his remarks, he mentioned that Agriculture is one of the key sectors that has the potential to grow the economy and create sustainable jobs through value chain development.
He emphasized the importance of venturing into commercial farming, saying it has lucrative opportunities to offer, which Botswana should tap into.
He also applauded the hosts for organizing the event and choosing the theme: integrated small stock farming through value chains, a sustainable economic imperative, saying this is in line with the ministry’s priority of value chain development.
Minister Gare also encouraged farmers to collaborate and exchange knowledge as part of the government’s priorities to grow the economy through Agriculture.
Furthermore, he stressed the importance of deriving maximum value from Agricultural products to get a return on investment. He was excited to note that CEDA recently launched an online service platform, which will go a long way towards improving service delivery and urged the public to use it to access CEDA services anytime, everywhere.
On the other hand, the Honourable Gare was concerned about the ongoing veld fires across the country. He warned that veld fires can potentially destroy property and natural vegetation both within and outside of urban areas and that they can become out of control if allowed to spread. He stated that it is everyone’s responsibility to protect against wildfires.
In his welcome remarks, Kgosi Mmolotsinyana Mafoko stated that this is a special day for the Pitseng community because it is the first of its kind.
Kgosi went on to say that this is a response to what our President said, “Are Chencheng,” because this event serves as a platform for networking, inspiration, and innovation to help grow our economy and feed the nation.”
“Kgosi Mafoko also suggested that this be a yearly event to assist the government in improving the economy.”
David Tsheboeng, Chief Executive Officer of the Botswana Meat Commission (BMC), announced at the event that a multi-species abattoir will be opened in Tsabong, which BMC will manage. The abattoir, he said, will contribute significantly to the commercialization of small-stock farming.
Gandah Legae, chairman of the Capri and Ovine Association, concluded the event by presenting Ontibile Raditaola and Tumelo Phekoyame from Pitseng with a special donation of 5 female goats and one male goat each.
The associations and organizers made the donation to two people who had demonstrated commitment, dedication, and passion since 2015 to date when they received a small stock through the LIMID programme. This donation is intended to assist and encourage them to continue striving for excellence.
