Farmers United eyes export market
to showcase their produce to consumers. Following government’s decision to ban vegetable imports, Molefe said they are currently going through shock as they were not fully prepared as farmers but having the business acumen they pulled through to ensure that within a few days they had something to offer. “The ban came when we were not ready but managed to do something and we have something to offer. Our products are fresh and are of the highest quality offered at affordable prices.”
He said they are working on improving their methods of production to ensure that all quality assurance standards are met. “We want to become globally competitive as Batswana farmers. The African Continental Free Trade Agreement presents a huge opportunity for us to address market access challenges.”
Beginning of December 2021, Government announced the decision to ban some vegetable imports from South Africa and other countries in a bid to force local food retailers to buy vegetables from local farmers. According to Statistics Botswana, local retailers import vegetables worth more than P100 million annually. Figures further indicate that for the month of September 2021, retailers spent around P24 million in importing vegetables from farmers outside Botswana.
Announcing the vegetable import ban last year, Ministry of Agriculture Development and Food Security stated that in order to facilitate achieving prosperity for all, government has taken a decision to restrict importation of some vegetables including tomatoes, carrots, beetroots, potatoes, cabbage, lettuce, garlic, onions, ginger, turmeric, chilli peppers, butternut, water melons, sweet peppers, green mealies and fresh herbs with effect from the 1st of January 2022; and added that restrictions on the imports will be reviewed every two years. “Farmers and the various stakeholders are encouraged to organise themselves and collaborate towards the use of different platforms that enhances the growth of the horticultural sector locally,” states government.