Lemang Dijo disappoints farmers
Lesedi Mkhutshwa | Monday December 1, 2025 06:00
The newly revised arable sector subsidy scheme, Lemang Dijo, is a targeted agricultural support initiative designed to strengthen household food security.
It also targeted at improving productivity and support resource-poor farmers across Botswana.
Furthermore, the Lemang Dijo Grant provides a 100% subsidy for tillage services and pesticides for up to one hectare.
In an interview with Mmegi, chairperson of Tonota, Tutume, and Masunga (TOTUMA) commercial farmers association, Steven Pillar, said the farmers expected more from the government than the revised arable sector subsidy programme.
He further criticised the programme's blanket approach, indicating it treats all farmers the same, through the one-hectare limit, which is insufficient.
Pillar raised concern that farmers were kept on standby for too long without announcement on agricultural initiatives for the 2025-2026 ploughing season, thus preventing them from making plans for the season.
'They could have alerted farmers about the programme in time so that they could make plans for this season well in advance,” he said.
Pillar added the programme only caters for arable farmers, leaving others to seek expensive loans from institutions such as the National Development Bank and CEDA.
He stated that the arrangement is unfair as it comes at a time when the dire economic situation of the country has also negatively affected farmers.
Pillar likened the programme to former president Festus Mogae's regime, which led to poor yields.
'Lemang Dijo programme means that we are going back to the former President Mogae's regime where farmers were to make arrangements for themselves, which led to the yield being depressingly poor,' he said.
In the wake of the new development, Pillar indicated that farmers across the country convened to come up with a way forward.
He stated that a key decision from the meeting was the collective shift to organic seeds for the current ploughing season.
He stated that farmers have decided to use only organic seeds for the current ploughing season, citing cost-effectiveness, resilience to pests and diseases.
'The message was clear, farmers must say no to hybrid seeds and use only indigenous seeds,' Pillar emphasised.
He added that organic seeds are diverse and can enhance farmers' resilience to pests, diseases and changing climatic conditions.
Pillar also lamented that tractor owners take advantage of farmers when government subsidies are discontinued.
'When the government subsidises farmers and hikes prices, we do not mind as farmers, but once it stops doing so, the prices given remain, then it becomes expensive for us to pay without the help of the government,' Pillar explained.
He stated that when the government withdraws grants or financial support, tractor owners then go ahead and take advantage of farmers.
He also criticised some of the government initiatives, such as row planting, harrowing and planting techniques, which are cheap with government support, but expensive for individuals.
Pillar stated that hybrid seeds preferred by hybrid seeds produce poorer quality grains compared to indigenous or organic seeds.
Given the current situation, he stated that TOTUMA members are preparing for possible changes and finding alternative solutions, such as sharing tractors and assisting each other.
Pillar emphasised the need for the government to reconsider its approach and provide more effective support to farmers.
The Acting Minister of Lands and Agriculture, Dr Edwin Dikoloti, officially announced the opening of applications, stating that the seasonal agricultural subsidy programme has undergone a comprehensive review, resulting in a redesigned and strengthened initiative.
Under the new model, the government will provide an e-voucher valued at P4,400 for tillage services and pesticides for up to one hectare.
For the 2025-26 cropping season, farmers will also receive fertilisers at a rate of four bags per hectare in addition to a grant for one beehive.
Dikoloti emphasised that the one-hectare approach supported by technology adoption, integrated crop-and-bee farming, and risk insurance aligns with Botswana's fiscal realities while advancing the objective of household food security.
He urged farmers to begin planning their cropping activities and apply through the Crop Management System, with Extension Officers available to offer assistance.