22 Oct 2025

Botswana’s agricultural sector is set for a major boost following the introduction of Juncao technology, a Chinese innovation that promises to improve food security, restore degraded land, and create new income streams for farmers.

Speaking in an interview, the Economic and Commercial Counsellor at the Chinese Embassy in Botswana, Mr Lan Yuqiang, said the innovation aligns with the goals of the Botswana Economic Transformation Programme (BETP), which aims to promote technology-driven growth and entrepreneurship.

Mr Lan  said Juncao provided a sustainable, circular solution to challenges in food production, animal husbandry and environmental conservation.

 “This simple yet powerful technology is already helping more than 100 developing countries to achieve food security, environmental sustainability and economic growth.”

Developed by Professor Lin Zhanxi of Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University in China, Juncao means ‘fungus grass’, uses fast-growing grass as a substrate for cultivating edible and medicinal mushrooms.

The grass can also serve as animal feed, help rehabilitate degraded land, and even be used for bioenergy production.

“It has multiple uses, including mushroom cultivation, livestock feed, soil conservation and erosion control,” Mr Lan said.

He also added that it was also easy to adopt, especially for smallholder farmers, since it does not require expensive infrastructure.

Mr Lan highlighted that mushrooms grown with Juncao were rich in protein and nutrients, offering an affordable way to improve local diets.

He said by producing mushrooms domestically, farmers could reduce reliance on imports and enhance nutrition diversity.

Feed shortages during dry seasons are a persistent challenge in Botswana. Mr Lan said Juncao grass could help address the problem by serving as a cost-effective and nutritious feed alternative.

“Juncao grass can supplement or replace expensive feeds, improving livestock health and productivity,” he said.

Additionally, he said, Juncao’s deep roots could help bind soil, prevent erosion, and restore degraded areas Botswana continues to face land degradation, overgrazing and erratic rainfall.

Beyond food and environmental benefits, Juncao technology offers new opportunities for entrepreneurship—particularly among young people and rural communities.

The mushroom value chain from cultivation and processing to marketing can stimulate small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

“Because inputs are low-cost and can be sourced locally, Juncao fits well within Botswana’s smallholder farming systems,” Mr Lan said.

Juncao technology has already been introduced in more than 100 countries across Asia, Africa and the Pacific. 

The United Nations recognises it as a practical tool for achieving several Sustainable Development Goals, including ending poverty and hunger and taking climate action.

In Botswana, the technology is being piloted through Q&Q Farming Enterprises in Selebi-Phikwe, whose managing director recently received training in China.

Mr Lan said other African countries such as Rwanda and Lesotho had successfully implemented Juncao and  saw tangible benefits.

He added that for the technology to succeed locally, Botswana will need strong training and extension support to help farmers learn cultivation, substrate preparation and grass management. BOPA