Transforming milk production in Botswana
Otlarongwa Kgweetsi | Tuesday October 22, 2024 14:23
This week marked the birth of the Milk Afric Dairy Project now rebranded as Milk Valley Farm, a P70 million dairy project by the Botswana Development Corporation (BDC), that aims to transform Botswana’s reliance on imported milk into a thing of the past. With the initial stock of 270 dairy cows, the farm aims to increase its herd to 2,000, producing an estimated 18 million litres of milk annually.
This would satisfy around 29% of Botswana’s milk demand, an improvement given that only 15% of local milk needs are currently met by domestic producers. The bulk of the country’s milk, around 85%, still comes from imports. Caretaker CEO of Milk Valley Farm, Botshelo Mokotedi, explained that the project’s long-term success hinges on efficiency and modern farming techniques. “We are focusing on advanced methods such as artificial insemination and embryo transfer, which allow us to scale production whilst maintaining quality,” Mokotedi said. The launch of Milk Valley comes at a critical time as the country’s leaders have called for more self-reliance in key industries, including agriculture. Minister of Trade and Industry Mmusi Kgafela, who officiated at the event, pointed out the pressing need to boost local production in the dairy sector. “It is unsustainable that we continue to import 85% of our milk. Projects like Milk Valley Farm are essential if we are to move towards self-sufficiency,” Kgafela remarked during his address. The project’s scale goes beyond just milk production. According to Mokotedi, more than 215 jobs will be created as the farm reaches full operational capacity. “This is not just about producing milk, but also about creating employment and economic opportunities for the region,” he said. The farm is expected to become a hub for local farmers, with plans to establish partnerships that will allow smaller producers to benefit from its resources and infrastructure.
Mokotedi highlighted the importance of these collaborations: “Our goal is to work with local farmers to strengthen the dairy value chain. This is an opportunity for the entire industry to grow”. Whilst the project has drawn praise for its potential, there are still challenges ahead. One of the key hurdles is ensuring that the farm meets its production targets. Currently, the farm has 270 cattle and reaching the goal of 2,000 cows to house will require time and additional resources. Mokotedi acknowledged these challenges but remained optimistic. “We have the infrastructure and the know-how to reach our targets. This project is about long-term planning and growth,” he said. Another innovative aspect of the project is its use of sexed semen, which has been imported to enhance the breeding process.
Mokotedi explained that this would help in building the herd more efficiently.
“By using sexed semen, we can better control the growth of the herd and ensure that we are maximising our production capacity,” he said.
Assistant Minister of Agriculture Molebatsi Molebatsi also underscored the significance of the project, tying it to the broader national goal of achieving food security. “Milk Valley aligns with our Vision 2036 objectives, especially in terms of reducing our dependency on imports and building a more sustainable agricultural sector,” he said. However, he also cautioned that sustained investment and focus would be needed to ensure the project’s long-term viability.