Botswana’s agricultural sector is navigating a complex landscape of delayed payments and renewed commitments. Commercial farmers in Pandamatenga have resumed planting activities after receiving partial settlements for government-owed debts. This development offers a measure of relief, though broader concerns persist across the nation’s grain producers.
Pandamatenga Farmers Receive Funds, Resume Ploughing
The Ministry of Lands and Agriculture, in collaboration with CEDA and NDB, has facilitated P206 million in payments to Pandamatenga farmers. This sum addresses a portion of the P271 million outstanding. Reports indicate that farmers owed less than P1 million have received full payment, while others have received approximately 74% of their dues. An additional P65 million is reportedly still expected.
National Grain Farmers Warn of Production Crisis
Despite progress in Pandamatenga, the national grain farmers’ association has highlighted significant unresolved issues. The association states that the state and the Botswana Agricultural Marketing Board (BAMB) collectively owe between P260 million and P300 million for grain delivered since April. This includes over 80,000 tonnes of sorghum from an estimated 120,000 tonnes of crops supplied this year. The association has cautioned that delayed payments, particularly as the rainy season begins, could lead to a substantial reduction in future agricultural output.
Government Addresses Payment Backlog
Acting Minister of Lands and Agriculture, Edwin Dikoloti, addressed Parliament on the government’s efforts to resolve these arrears. He confirmed that P206 million was allocated to BAMB on December 5th for the 2025 harvest payments, with initial disbursements already reaching some farmers. While these actions aim to stabilize the sector, the full impact on farmer confidence and future production remains under observation.
Leave a Reply