Lum ase - Ministry of Agriculture

MoAperformanceimprovesArticle: Violet MompatiPhoto: Mogapi GabatsoswePerformance of the Ministry ofAgriculture (MoA) has greatlyimproved.Minister of Agriculture, ChristiaanDe Graaff said that when addressingDistrict Coordinators in Gaborone inFebruary.They met to map the way forwardto improve performance and servicedelivery in 2011.The Minister said performanceimproved from 56% to 85% thendropped to 71% and remains atposition six in all Ministries.Coordnators were urged to work as ateam, and deliver quality service.He urged them to take assignmentsseriously and meet deadlines. Healso reminded them to build trust byhonoring promises to their customers.De Graaff said inclusion ofHorticulture in the Integrated SupportProgramme for Arable AgricultureDevelopment (ISPAAD) couldimprove the livelihood of people.He requested that extra effort beundertaken to produce more food,and reduce imports expenses.Commonly imported agriculturalproducts include; Cabbage, Kale,Rape, Spinach, tomato, potato, onion,beetroot, butternut, carrot, greenpepper, sweet potato, watermelon,orange, green mealies, cucumber,lettuce and pumpkin.The import bill for vegetables isabout P200 million per annum.He said the land that is lying fallowMinister De Graaff andthe PS Dr MicusChimbombi addressing district coordinatorshas to be put to good use, and itis MoA’s responsibility to identifyagricultural land, and avail it tofarmers. The other responsibility isto advice farmers about maintenance,and promotion of valuable use of fields.De Graaff said ISPAAD has pleasedfarmers, and that many have returnedto their fields.However, he voiced concernthat policies and programmes ofgovernment are not driven downto extension staff. This is apparentfrom ignorance and disregard ofgovernment policies by staff.Land available for farming inBotswana is about 325 000 hectares.Mrs Makgethe, Chobe Coordinator contributing during the meeting13March 2011