World Food Day Commemorated

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National Food Technology Research Centre (NFTRC) recently exhibited its products and services at the World Food Day commemoration held at Adams Apple Farm in Mochudi on the 13^th of October 2016.

The commemoration was held under the theme: “Climate is Changing, Food and Agriculture must too.”

In his address the Vice President Mr Mokgweetsi Masisi, commended farmers for having held on and shown a sense of self-reliance under harsh weather conditions.

Mr Masisi encouraged and applauded farmers for having succeeded in producing food for the nation during a challenging year.

He said it is a fact that despite the general support that the agricultural sector has received from the government over the years, it remains an important economic sector because it supports a significant proportion of Batswana.

He said the theme for this year’s commemoration is suitable as it speaks to an often heard statement by some of the citizens that say agriculture is not worthwhile anymore because of climatic change.

Mr Masisi said that the theme simply states that agriculture must change to adapt to climate change in order to feed a growing population in a sustainable way.

Furthermore the Vice President said the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) defines growing food in a sustainable way as adopting food practices that produce more food in a small area through wise use of natural resources.

Meanwhile, the Minister of Agricultural Development and Food Security, Mr Patrick Ralotsia said food production remains a high priority in Botswana’s economic development.

Mr Ralotsia said national development plans as well as agricultural policies recognise the importance of food security in order to improve the living conditions especially for the poor living in rural areas.

He stressed that the ministry puts more efforts in commercialisation of agriculture to improve its competitiveness and productivity and thus urged farmers to practice conservation agriculture and use drought tolerant crop varieties saying such measures are relevant in keeping up production even in critical weather conditions.

Some of the activities that spiced the day were essay writing awards to outstanding students from primary, junior and senior schools.

Some of those who attended the commemoration visited the NFTRC stall to learn more about what it does.

They were fascinated by canned beef products and sorghum flour, which they saw as great business ideas.

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