26 Oct 2026

With Botswana producing only about five per cent of its wheat requirements, the National Agricultural Research and Development Institute (NARDI) is encouraging farmers to venture into wheat production to reduce reliance on imports and diversify the economy.

The call was made during a wheat variety development farm engagement at Boro Farm, where farmers were exposed to different wheat varieties and research findings to help them appreciate the crop’s potential and adopt improved production practices.

The engagement showcased 14 wheat varieties, with researchers explaining their characteristics and the importance of adopting appropriate farming techniques to improve yields.

District Agricultural Coordinator, Mr Kenneth Mabote, said NARDI had conducted research and collaborated with relevant stakeholders to provide guidance on appropriate wheat production practices.

He encouraged farmers to embrace agricultural technologies that could improve farming methods and increase yields, noting that wheat was an important crop used in bread and other food products consumed daily.

NARDI Senior Research Scientist, Mr Dikuwa Ketumile, said Botswana’s low wheat production presented an opportunity for local farmers, given the high demand for the cereal and the country’s dependence on imports.

“There is an opportunity for farmers to invest in ploughing wheat as it has a market while its production is low, hence the call for you to take it up,” he said.

Mr Ketumile said increasing domestic production could help bridge the supply gap, create income-generating opportunities for farmers and contribute to economic diversification.

He added that exposing farmers to research findings and different wheat varieties was important in equipping them with the knowledge to make informed decisions about wheat production.

The engagement formed part of NARDI’s efforts to share progress in wheat variety development with farmers and promote the adoption of research-based agricultural practices.

Mr Ketumile said such initiatives would help farmers assess wheat production as a potential farming enterprise while contributing to efforts to strengthen domestic food production. ENDS