Milk production improves, deficit persists
Thursday, December 07, 2017
Important substitution: Minister of Agricultural Development and Food Security, Patrick Ralotsia
According to the Ministry of Agricultural Development and Food Security, the rise in local milk production is a welcome development but it still represent less than 10% of the country’s annual demand.
The 6.2 million produced this year represents only 9.5% of the 64 million litres of national demand per annum.
Whilst celebrating milestones in inclusivity, with notably P5 billion awarded to vulnerable groups, the report sounds a 'siren' on a dangerous and growing trend: the ballooning use of micro-procurement. That this method, designed for small-scale, efficient purchases, now accounts for a staggering 25% (P8 billion) of total procurement value is not a sign of agility, but a 'red flag'. The PPRA’s warning is unequivocal and must be...