the monitor

Local grain shortfall deepens import dependence

Bolux Milling plant
Bolux Milling plant

The local grain production continues to lag behind the needs of the country's growing food manufacturing sector, forcing processors to rely heavily on imports despite significant investment in domestic industry.

The extent of the production shortfall was highlighted during a recent media tour of Bolux's P800 million manufacturing facility in Ramotswa, organised by the Maize and Wheat Millers Association (MWMA). Whilst the facility stands as one of Botswana's most advanced food processing plants, company executives revealed that local wheat and maize production remains far below demand.

Bolux Managing Director Melinda Jacobs said the company is committed to supporting local farmers and is currently sourcing wheat from a farmer in Pandamatenga who has 2,000 tonnes available for purchase. However, she noted that national production levels remain inadequate.

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