Cereal production down

Cereals import bill has declined to about P159,7 million in July 2022, down from P435.9 million in June. Fresh figures from Statistics Botswana indicate that Botswana’s total imports were valued at over P8 billion in July 2022 and out of this amount, food imports contributed P938, 5 million translating to 11.6 percent. Maize other than seed was the most imported among Cereals at 44.4 percent. Cereal production in Botswana is estimated at 80 000 tonnes in June 2022. Food and Agriculture Organisation ( FAO) stated that despite the forecast for reduced import quantities, the total import bill is expected to increase year on year in 2022/ 23, owing to the elevated global prices of cereals and energy.