April 2012.indd - Ministry of Agriculture

MAN ENJOYS 32 YEARS OFORCHARD BUSINESSArticle: Segomotso BasutiPhotos: Aggripah WillieAs people moved from one placeto another in search of betterliving so did Otimile Joseph.It was in 1980 when he relocatedto Shakawe from Maun looking forsomething that would put food on histable. At 20, he scanned the village tofind out what the village can offer andsettled for an orchard.He started making trials on whetheror not the business was viable. Thebusiness began on a low pace. Herealized that for him, horticulture wasa difficult thing to embark on especiallyin an area where people were not veryfamiliar with the growing of fruits andvegetables.Therefore, he started with a handfulof trees due to meagre funds. As yearswent by both his business and marketstarted to grow.It was at this time that he knew therewas no turning back. Up to now, he isa fervent grower of fruits and vegetables.Starting with zero knowledge ofagriculture, Joseph is an epitome ofdedication to be an expert at a particularfield. Joseph has so far expanded hisknowledge on running his businessby acquiring professional assistancethrough means of a series of shortcourses, he attended in Maun fromtime to time. One may wonder whyhis interest in orchard business whenmost people in his area take dry landfarming to heart.“I felt the urge to start the orchardwhen I realized there was a serious lackof fruits and vegetables in my area.”This has changed over the yearsas people are starting to realize theimportance of healthy eating. Everybusiness person’s number one goal is toOtimile Joseph in his orchardsee his business blossom. Joseph is notan exception. At the moment, he is onthe lookout for any new markets. He isalso looking out for ways to broaden hisbusiness to make more money.Joseph does not operate his businesson a lay man’s terms, but by the books inorder to monitor whether he is runningat a profit or loss.Horticulture is a demanding businessin terms of equipment needed to getit going. Water has often proved achallenge and a reason most projectsdid not stand the test of time. Peoplelike Joseph, however, count themselveslucky as his project is situated just nearthe river bank, making water the leastof his problems.“Lack of money is always a setback foran entrepreneur, how you try to keepyour head up is all that matters.”He started with mangoes and oranges,10 for each tree. As one enters hisorchard, the variety of fruits makes onesalivate.Connections with big shops suchas Choppies, gives him hope of abright future ahead. He is looking intofurthering his business by planting otherfruits and vegetables.April 2012 2