27 Mar 2018

Parliament has been told that the current status of the country’s Strategic Grain Reserve (SGR) is 30 000 tonnes of sorghum against a target of 30 000 tonnes; 2 000 tonnes of pulses against a target of 10 000 tonnes.

Responding to a question from the MP for Chobe Mr Machana Shamukuni, the Minister of Agriculture Development and Food Security, Mr Patrick Ralotsia explained that there is currently no maize in the SGR, but the target reserve is 30 000 tonnes.

He said not all the farmers who supplied grain to BAMB have been paid and the amount owed is P2.2 million for five farmers.

He said it is true that millers continue to import low grade grain from South Africa adding that the imported grain is for human consumption and is meant to augment any shortfall in local supply.

Minister Ralotsia said this grain is subjected to the Botswana Bureau of Standards quality standards criteria to ensure importation of appropriate grain.

He further stated that there is a quota system in place to regulate grain imports saying any importer of grain can only be allowed to import after providing proof that they have purchased at least 30 per cent of locally produced maize and at least 50 per cent for sorghum.

Mr Ralotsia said regulation is enforced by use of import permits, which are issued by the ministry only after an importer has provided proof that they have purchased the mandatory quota of local produce.

He said his ministry has inspectors at commercial border posts that monitor entry of all agricultural products including grains, to ensure that no grain is imported without satisfying the local purchase requirements.

MP Shamukuni had asked the minister to explain the current status of the country’s SRG indicating the type of grain in store and quantities.

The legislator had also wanted to know if farmers who supplied grain to BAMB have been paid; if not; the amount owed and whether it was true that millers continue to import low grain from South Africa when there are huge reserves in the country.

MP Shamukuni had further wanted the minister to explain whether there is a quota system in place to regulate grain import; and how this regulation is enforced. ENDS