Strategic grain reserves are Coronavirus-proof, BAMB assures

Strategic grain reserves PIC. THALEFANG CHARLES
Strategic grain reserves PIC. THALEFANG CHARLES

The Botswana Agricultural Marketing Board (BAMB) has moved to assure the nation that strategic grain stocks are sufficient in the event of any prolonged disruption due to the ongoing coronavirus.

South Africa entered a lockdown on Thursday midnight, while President Mokgweetsi Masisi yesterday warned Batswana that similar measures were imminent locally.

While a lockdown would still allow cargo trucks in and out of neighbouring countries, as well as the movement of essential service workers, the risk of disruptions rises due to the precarious nature of systems during the crises. BAMB CEO, Leonard Morakaladi said the food security spearhead was on top of its game with regards to supplies the local economy will require going forward.At present, BAMB’s silos hold 30,000 tonnes of sorghum representing nine months’ cover, 5,000 tonnes of yellow maize or one month’s cover and 2,500 tonnes of beans or two months’ cover.

Editor's Comment
Routine child vaccination imperative

The recent Vaccination Day in Motokwe, orchestrated through collaborative efforts between UNICEF, USAID, BRCS, and the Ministry of Health, underscores a commendable stride towards fortifying child health services.The painful reality as reflected by the Ministry of Health's data regarding the decline in routine immunisation coverage since the onset of the pandemic, is a cause for concern.It underscores the urgent need to address the...

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