Minister calls for vibrant agri-business sector
Thursday, November 30, 2017
Ralotsia PIC. KENNEDY RAMOKONE
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.
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...