Temo Letlotlo to supplement strategic grain reserves
Monday, November 06, 2023 | 3050 Views |
Pandamatenga silos
To facilitate seamless execution of the scheme, the Botswana Agricultural Marketing Board (BAMB) has been tasked with the responsibility of collecting donations. At minimum, BAMB is required to keep 10,000 tonnes of sorghum, 10,000 tonnes of maize, and 2,000 tonnes of beans.
Earlier this year, the Minister of Agriculture, Fidelis Molao, revealed that government plans to provide funding for the construction of additional 12 grain storage silos in Pandamatenga as part of the common facilities to be utilised by commercial farmers operating within the agricultural Special Economic Zone. The additional facilities are expected to enhance both the efficiency and efficacy of grain management. The provision of additional facilities will also facilitate the separation of crops being sorghum, maize, wheat and sunflower while other produce such as millet, ground nuts and cowpeas will be catered for in a warehouse.
When claims of such gravity are made, especially by a sitting Assistant Minister they cannot be brushed aside, delayed, or treated as routine political noise. Even the Ombudsman has confirmed receipt of a report from a political party and a review of these complaints is now underway. That is a necessary first step. But it is only the beginning. The seriousness of the allegations demands urgency, transparency and clarity. The public is entitled to...