Minister calls for vibrant agri-business sector

Ralotsia PIC. KENNEDY RAMOKONE
Ralotsia PIC. KENNEDY RAMOKONE

Agricultural Development and Food Security Minister, Patrick Ralotsia has called for a stimulation of a vibrant private agribusiness sector, noting that the scale of imports demonstrates the existence of demand for agricultural commodities.

He noted that the food imports represent a diverse set of markets both in key commodities as well as processed goods and associated industries.

Ralotsia was speaking at the launch of the agric ministry’s strategic plan for 2017-2023 this week in Gaborone. “The scale of imports demonstrates that demand exists and that a vibrant private agribusiness sector can be stimulated to service it,” he said.

Editor's Comment
Micro-procurement maze demands urgent reform

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...

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