With just a day remaining before the government fully lifts the ban on vegetable imports, the Botswana Horticulture Council is gearing up to establish marketplaces across the country. This initiative aims to create a sustainable market for local farmers, ensuring they continue to thrive even as competition from imported produce resumes.
The previous administration, under the Botswana Democratic Party (BDP), had imposed a ban on vegetable imports as a measure to protect and support local producers. The policy was intended to foster the growth of the domestic horticulture sector. However, Finance Minister Ndaba Gaolathe later criticized the restriction, arguing that it was detrimental to economic principles and announced a gradual lifting of the ban.
In response to the impending changes, the Botswana Horticulture Council is actively working to secure dedicated marketplaces where farmers can sell their produce directly to consumers. According to the council’s chairperson, Mogomotsi Moatswi, these marketplaces will provide fresh farm products at affordable prices, benefiting both farmers and consumers.
The move is seen as a strategic step to safeguard local farmers from potential market losses due to the reintroduction of imported vegetables. By establishing these direct-to-consumer sales points, horticulture producers aim to maintain competitiveness and ensure continued demand for locally grown produce.
As the country prepares for the policy shift, the success of this initiative will be closely watched, with hopes that it will strengthen the agricultural sector and promote food security in Botswana.
