Gaborone, Botswana – The Botswana Horticulture Council (BoHoCo) recently paid a courtesy call to the Minister of Lands and Agriculture, Hon. Dr. Micus Chimbombi, accompanied by Assistant Minister Dr. Edwin Dikoloti. The meeting focused on advancing the horticulture industry through value chain development, food processing education, and market expansion strategies.
The discussions highlighted BoHoCo’s vision of delivering high-quality horticultural products to customers by adopting cutting-edge technologies, promoting excellence in advocacy, and ensuring efficient management practices. The council also emphasized its commitment to compliance with commodity standards, which is pivotal for ensuring the competitiveness of Botswana’s horticultural sector in local and international markets.
Key Focus Areas
1. Value Chain Development
The council and the ministry explored strategies to enhance the entire horticulture value chain, from production to distribution. Emphasis was placed on improving access to resources, fostering innovation, and reducing inefficiencies that hinder growth.
2. Education on Food Processing
Dr. Chimbombi and Dr. Dikoloti supported the need for initiatives to educate farmers and stakeholders on modern food processing techniques, which can help minimize post-harvest losses and add value to raw horticultural products.
3. Market Growth
A key point of discussion was the need to expand local and international markets for Botswana’s horticultural products. This involves creating sustainable partnerships, improving logistics, and fostering collaborations that align with global standards.
BoHoCo’s Mission
BoHoCo reiterated its goal of driving excellence in the horticulture industry. “We are focused on applying the best technologies and management practices while ensuring commodity standards compliance,” a representative stated.
The council continues to play a vital role in advocating for policies that benefit Botswana’s horticultural sector and supporting farmers to improve productivity and profitability.
Looking Ahead
This collaboration between BoHoCo and the Ministry of Lands and Agriculture reflects a shared commitment to transforming Botswana’s horticulture industry into a globally competitive sector. The meeting laid the groundwork for actionable initiatives that promise to deliver long-term benefits for farmers, businesses, and consumers alike.
For more information about BoHoCo’s activities and initiatives, visit their official platform or contact the Ministry of Lands and Agriculture.
