14 May 2024

Government is on a journey to revolutionise the agriculture sector, says Minister of Agriculture, Mr Fidelis Molao. 

He said the arrival of the second batch of imported genetically superior livestock breeds was testimony that the sector will never be the same.

In his opening remarks at the occasion to receive the livestock  procured from Australia, he said arrival of the consignment of breeding cattle and goats from Australia was a historic move aimed at improving and growing the agriculture sector particularly livestock.

He said the cattle and goats’ breeds would resuscitate and improve quality of the local breeds as well as increase numbers of breeding herds. 

Mr Molao said the idea was to turn Botswana into a hub of top livestock genetics. 

“We are here to witness continuation of the revolution,” he said.

Minister of Entrepreneurship, Mr Karabo Gare said the gathering was to witness one of the government achievements. 

He said improving livestock breeds would mostly benefit the primary producer, being the local farmer, adding that the improved breeds would fetch better prices in the market. 

Minister Gare added that the importation would go a long way in supporting Thuo Letlotlo programme.

In relation to value chain development, he said Thuo Letlotlo coupled with the use of the imported quality breeds would help the farmer improve their breeding story and genetics. 

He said improved cattle genetics would ultimately translate into an improved income for the farmer and contribute effectively to growing the national economy.

Mr Gare said through the state-owned enterprises, government would use varied empowerment programmes accessible to the public, to engage in a chain of business to support the economy.

He said Botswana Meat Commission, which was the main market of the cattle produce was in the process of resuscitating and developing its leather park, thereby opening up the livestock sector value chain.

The minister said livestock must be fed and be taken care of, therefore local communities were faced with an array of potential businesses to venture into among them fodder and livestock vaccine production. 

He said the livestock sub-sector would not only empower farmers, but equally support other businesses that the sector thrived through their support.

Noteing the high import bill of animal products, mostly those produced from milk, Mr Gare said increasing the dairy goods population would  encourage production of various milk-based food items and other products.

He said his ministry was committed to supporting the business community especially the citizens to ensure that they  were  able to do enough at affordable costs. 

Mr Gare said increasing livestock population would bring with it an abundance of business opportunities.

He said the value chain in the agricultural sector had been experiencing challenges including the use of advancing technology, access funds, training as well as unable to withstand competitive on the world market.

Mr Gare said it was important for the private sector and government parastatals to be empowered in order to support the envisaged development in the agricultural sector.

“I appeal to the farming community and whoever is interested in starting a business aimed at supporting the sector and diversifying the economy to take advantage of government programmes aimed at supporting growth of the sector,” he said. Ends