MARSHROOMS FARM RELISHES FROM THE PRESIDENT’S VISIT
As more hype on agro-tourism industry echoes across the nation, on the backdrop of President Mokgweetsi Masisi’s promise to support the sector, startups in the sector are already witnessing fruits of the pledge. President Masisi’s first bus-stop on stirring growth of agro-tourism sector was at Marshrooms Farm on the outer reaches of Gaborone, in Gamononyana, near Metsimotlhabe village, last year. Owned by Godfrey and Marcia Matheatau, the farm is home to a variety of bird species, with plans on the pipelines to eventually develop into a fully-fledged integrated farm. Matheatau family says hosting COVID-19 Task Force weekly meeting, President Masisi and ministers for a cabinet meeting at their farm has more than rekindled hope for their business. Commenting on President Masisi’s visit to the farm, Matheatau said: “Finance wise, we did not make a lot of money as some might think, but the goodwill and the exposure was excellent. We feel like a big brand because of it. It made a big difference. Because of the visit, we already count amongst our customers, prominent members of our society, who, probably would never have known that we existed, were it not for the visit. Our energy towards the project is at another level now as the Presidential visit has fueled our determination to persevere.” He said the visit seems to have also motivated a lot of people he interacts with on a regular basis. The Matheatau family is ready to work together with other farmers. “We don’t mind others doing their projects next to us, others should also be allowed to have a piece of the cake,” he emphasized. “Working together, we can provide a complete farming experience for urban dwellers, who may want to escape the bustling town life for some fresh air.” Though it would sound like a cliché that everything starts with a thought, and once an idea is born, a project starts, Matheatau reiterates the statement, citing that individuals should not despair on their dreams due to lack of finance. “Start small, accept that business is about zeal, commitment and being able to deal with challenges in a positive manner. Making Money is the last thing in the line of business.” The family started with five chickens for their own consumption, but later realized that their product was better than
what was offered on the market. “Hence, we decided to go commercial,” said Mr. Matheatau, narrating that the journey started with investing in an incubator for Setswana Chickens, and later diversified into broilers, ducks, turkey and other birds. “We now have capacity to rear over 3000 broiler birds and our plan is to grow the business. There is an opportunity despite challenges and Batswana are also supportive. We have orders pending, as we speak,” said
Mrs. Matheatau. The family has also been practicing rain-fed agriculture, but now that they have drilled a borehole late last year, they are working on having an irrigation system installed, to utilize their land optimally. Even though currently they do not have any big company supporting the initiative, the Matheatau’s are content and happy with the individuals’ support they have received, so far. “Before we go to established companies, we want to be in a position to fulfill their demands. We want to negotiate supply deals with confidence.” Marshrooms farm is looking at collaborating with other small-scale farmers before chasing big orders. “We intend to collaborate with others to meet our supply demand, as we aim for big customers.” Armed with self-taught experience, acquired through inquiries and reading publications on farming, Matheatau family believes one should build experience along the way. You cannot wait for experience. “We have stumbled along the way, but we are becoming perfect,” said Matheatau, reiterating that the president’s visit to their farm has left a permanent excitement to spur their efforts. Meanwhile, some of the new projects on the pipeline for the family include a caravan park for tourist travelling from Gaborone to Khutse and possibly those en-route to Namibia, providing an entertainment area, where people can go relax, interact with nature and also to learn about farming. Matheatau family has applauded government’s decision to host meetings at local masimo, as a good initiative to empower locals and encourage the nation to venture into farming.