08 Jul 2026

A  wave of activity is underway at Pandamatenga as commercial farmers ramp up their annual harvesting operations.

Despite a devastating start to the season marked by a severe storm which wiped out crops and destroyed infrastructure, Pandamatenga commercial farmers demonstrated remarkable commitment, successfully planting 38 908 hectares of crops.

Pandamatenga remains critical to national food security contributing 47 per cent to Botswana’s national crop production mostly sorghum, millet, beans, wheat, chickpeas and sunflower.

In an interview, Winfort Investment field manager, Mr Piet Humman stated that they had planted a total of 2 350 hectares of diverse crops from sorghum, mung bean, sunflower, wheat and maize. 

He said they were currently harvesting mung bean which was planted on one of the areas that were affected by the floods at the beginning of the season hence noted the crop did not perform to its full potential.

Following the mung bean harvesting, he remarked they would move to the late planted sorghum which was slated for sale at BAMB. Mr Humman pointed out that wheat planting took place in May and June using irrigation which was a slight delay from the traditional window.

He expressed optimism with the introduction of a new wheat variety which showed a great potential for its upcoming harvest. 

The farmer indicated that they had identified a market for wheat in Zambia, adding that they were currently engaged in regulatory discussions to facilitate trade channels and certifications for export.

However, he alluded that Pandamatenga wheat farmers faced high transportation expenses to move their harvest to Gaborone and other markets within the country.  Another commercial farmer, Mr Charl Viljoen said this season they ploughed 420 hectares of sorghum, 100 hectares of chickpeas, 280 hectares of mung beans, 540 hectares of sunflower and 260 hectares of lablab.

He stated that commercial farmers had accelerated operations to harvest the bulk of their mature crops while late planted crops were scheduled for end of winter harvest. 

He said due to the flooding experienced at the beginning of the season, the farmers had to delay planting some of their crops while waiting for water to clear.

Despite the flood threat he noted farmers remained resolute and committed to return to full operations eyeing a bountiful harvest this year.

The farmer stated that this year most of them planted sunflower because of a partnership with a local cooking oil manufacturer, who approached the farmers to secure a steady supply of sunflower seeds. ENDS