Botswana has best soil for potatoes in southern Africa

The youth of this country have been urged to consider agriculture ahead of white collar jobs as it pays more than these jobs in addition to producing food for the country.

Agriculture, food and security minister Patrick Ralotsia this past weekend at Mookane Farmers’ Day addressed students, farmers, non-farmers and different specialists on the field, imploring them to learn more about farming. Ralotsia lamented that Botswana has to buy food from across borders, which he said should stop with an immediate effect because food can be produced in Botswana.

“There is one farmer in Ghanzi who produces 60 tonnes of potatoes per hectare at his farm and this is a noble example that if the youth can take agriculture seriously, then we can stop being beggars of food from other countries,” he said adding that research shows that Botswana has the best soil for potatoes in Southern Africa.

Ralotsia added that the theme of the day - ‘Conservation Farming and Fodder Productions,’ was indeed suitable and has a content message for everyone out there because Botswana is a drought country, therefore farmers should always take advantage of rainy seasons like it was the case this year.

“Nothing is lost in Agriculture, even livestock dung is turned into manure to grow the plants while the plants’ remains become fodder for the livestock,” said Ralotsia. Mobile phone giants Mascom sponsored the event and also participated as a media partner to ensure that the event is well covered and information reaches all parts of the country.

The company’s Communications and Public Relations Manager Barbara Gotlop revealed that it is the third consecutive year they have partnered with the event. “We decided to assist in that regard because we realised the great potential that the event has in reaching a lot more people around Botswana and the best medium is through the media,” Gotlop said adding that the event has really grown and now attracts more farmers.