farmer |
Speaking at the
official opening of Serowe District Show, President Khama said that
there was a clear demonstration of commitment towards agriculture
through increased investment in areas such as research and development
as seen through institutions such as Botswana Vaccine Institute.
At the show themed
"Agriculture, the driving force behind food security" President Khama
found that the theme resonated well with the recent reconfiguration of
ministries, 'whereby the mandate of the agriculture ministry was made
crystal clear through underscoring that it is the ministry responsible
for agriculture development and food security.'
"I wish to
reiterate that identifying and improving breeds to ensure local
suitability to local conditions remains priority," President Khama said.
President Khama
also said that they had identified agriculture as one of the vital
sectors that could contribute towards comprehensive economic diversity
of the country from being a mineral -led economy.
By so doing,
President Khama said government had been channeling funds into
agriculture through various programmes such as Young Farmers Fund, LIMID
and ISPAAD.
To augment efforts
to position agriculture as one of the catalysts towards economic
diversification, President Khama said that the sector had also
benefitted from Economic Stimulus Programme (ESP).
Under this
programme the sector benefitted through grading of roads towards
production areas, electrification of production clusters and
construction of service centres, among other things.
President Khama
said that government programmes were aimed at complementing efforts of
farmers to help achieve their objectives especially ensuring food
security.
"I am of the
conviction that a platform like this one is not only critical for
farmers but, it also accords consumers an opportunity to meet with all
stakeholders, in the process also affording them opportunities to see
firsthand the quality of products," President Khama said about the
Serowe District Show.
He said that the show accorded farmers a chance to benchmark and network with the best in the sector.
President Khama
also found that the show did not only promote the agricultural sector
but, benefitted other sectors like in transport and logistics, catering
and other small and medium enterprises.
He said that though
a principal export market, it was crucial to avoid overreliance on
European Union as a single market for Botswana beef since the markets
were unpredictable.
As a result government has been seeking alternative markets in other regions, President Khama said.
Assistant Minister
of Agriculture Development and Food Security, Mr Kgotla Autlwetse said
that agriculture was the first occupation of humanity and therefore a
foundation for all other industries.
"Through the new ministry strategy 2017-2023, national food security shall be realised," said Mr Autlwetse.
He lauded the
private sector for what he termed a sterling job saying the show
epitomised their worth. He found that the private sector immensely
branded the show and professionalised its logistics.
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