After initiating a ban on importing certain fresh produce in January 2022, Botswana is poised to expand its list of restricted fruits and vegetables. The original prohibition, encompassing 19 horticultural items such as potatoes, tomatoes, carrots, onions, and watermelon, aimed to bolster local agriculture and reduce import expenditure. The Ministry of Agriculture Development and Food Security, noting the policy's effectiveness, has extended the ban's duration to four years, now set to expire at the end of 2025.
Minister Fidelis Molao announced plans to introduce additional items to the ban list by July, though specific details remain undisclosed. Speculation suggests that, following a successful initial harvest from the Selebi Phikwe Citrus Project, citrus fruits like oranges and lemons may be considered for inclusion. During a panel at the Hospitality and Tourism Association of Botswana (HATAB) annual conference, Minister Molao underscored the ban's financial benefits, revealing a 71 percent reduction in the horticultural import bill, from P634 million in 2018 to P186 million by 2023.
The initiative has also significantly impacted local production volumes. "From 67, 612 tonnes in production in 2021 we are now reporting 86, 260.20 tonnes as at 2023, which translates to 21.6 percent growth in terms of what Batswana are able to produce and are able to take to the market," Molao stated. Despite these achievements, he acknowledged the ongoing challenge of meeting domestic demand.
Source: TheVoice