Botswana's phased approach to lifting vegetable import restrictions is set to begin in April, potentially improving trade with South Africa and alleviating supply shortages in the former.
Neo Lenkopane, Botswana's Agriculture Chief Public Relations Officer, announced in a press statement that the lifting of the restrictions will happen in phases following engagements with stakeholders.
“The phase two lift will take effect from 1 April 2025 and will apply to beetroot, butternut, cabbage, carrot, garlic, ginger, green mealies, herbs, lettuce, onions, sweet pepper, tomato and watermelons,” she said.
In an interview with Farmer's Weekly, Paul Makube, senior agricultural economist at FNB, said the lifting of the ban was a long-awaited step, given that the region had embraced the Southern African Customs Union (SACU). “It provides hope of policy certainty in adhering…
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Farmer's Weekly (Digital) - 1 Issue, 24 January 2025