12 Mar 2026

Botswana Prisons Service (BPS) anticipates a bumper harvest of over 20 tonnes of maize in 2026, Prisons Commissioner Anthony Mokento has said.

Speaking during the signing ceremony of a Memorandum of Understanding with Seed Co Botswana in Gaborone on Wednesday, Mr Mokento said they planted Seed Co Botswana seeds on 106 hectares of land, of which 97 hectares were under maize production, two hectares of sorghum was planted in Lethakane, while cowpeas were cultivated on seven hectares.

“From this total area planted, we hope to harvest handsomely. We may not produce enough, but it will be sufficient to make a significant reduction in government expenditure on the maintenance of inmates,” he said.

Last year, he said prisons service harvested 20 tonnes of maize in 2025, equivalent to about 400 bags.

For his part, Seed Co Botswana managing director, Samson Ruwisi said agriculture was a powerful tool for transformation and an effective way of empowering inmates through modern farming techniques and productive agricultural practices.

“Inmates will gain skills that can help them reintegrate into society and contribute positively to their communities,” he said.

He said one of the most meaningful ways to contribute to communities was by transferring knowledge and practical skills that empower people.

“Through this partnership, we are proud to support the correctional services mission by equipping inmates with valuable life skills, including agriculture,” he said.

He said Seed Co. believed its role went beyond providing quality seeds in the 22 African countries where it operated. Mr Ruwisi said their mandate also extended to corporate social responsibility and rehabilitation efforts aligned with the objectives of the prisons service.

He further noted that the Seed Co Seed App, launched in Botswana in 2025, used technology to enhance best farming practices and assisted in imparting agricultural knowledge to farmers across the country. BOPA