Millers look to discontinue grain imports

Less than 10% of grain demand is produced locally
Less than 10% of grain demand is produced locally

Botswana millers, through their apex representative body, the Maize and Wheat Millers Association, have encouraged local farmers to increase grain production in order to eliminate grain imports.

Currently, the millers consume a total of 120,000 tonnes of white maize per annum, of which the majority is imported from South Africa (SA) and other global suppliers such as the United States (US), Mexico, Argentina and Brazil.

According to the Botswana Millers Association chairperson, Nkosi Mwaba, if farmers commercialise their harvests reach levels of about 120,000 tonnes, subject to acceptable price and quality, millers are willing to take up the entire crop.

Editor's Comment
Botswana at a critical juncture

While the political shift brings hope for change, it also places immense pressure on the new administration to deliver on its election promises in the face of serious economic challenges.On another level, newly appointed Finance Minister Ndaba Gaolathe’s grim assessment of the country’s finances adds urgency to the moment. The budget deficit, expected to be P8.7 billion, is now anticipated to be even higher due to underperforming diamond...

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