President Duma Boko has called on ostrich farmers to maximise the value chain to help diversify Botswana's economy.
Speaking during Dibete Ostrich Multiplication Unit (DOMU) tour today, President Boko said Botswana should reduce its reliance on imported ostrich feed by stimulating local production of key ingredients.
"It is clear that ostrich feed is imported from neighbouring countries, and this presents an opportunity for our local farmers," he remarked.
The President identified sunflower as one of the critical feed components that could be grown domestically, noting that higher local production would not only benefit ostrich farming but also supply other industries.
"There is an entrepreneurial opportunity that local farmers need to seize, and I can assure you that the ostrich industry is sizeable," President Boko said.
He also emphasised the need to raise public awareness of the nutritional benefits of ostrich meat, suggesting that greater consumption could contribute to better public health.
Meanwhile, the Minister of Lands and Agriculture, Dr Edwin Dikoloti, said DOMU, established in 2006, was forced to close after encountering operational challenges. He said Government resolved to revive the facility last year.
"The decision to revive the multiplication unit has already begun to bear fruit. We have hatched 269 ostriches and supplied 29 farmers," Dr Dikoloti said.
He revealed that the Ministry aims to hatch more than 6,000 ostriches before the end of the year as part of its efforts to expand the industry. The long-term vision, he added, is to attract hundreds of Batswana into ostrich farming, describing the sector as one with proven economic potential.
Dr Dikoloti also noted that the Ministry is developing an agricultural financing strategy to support growth and investment in the industry, paving the way for greater participation by local farmers.
