The seeds of China-Botswana friendship

Xi and Masisi
Xi and Masisi

Two years ago, several agricultural experts from the Botswana University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (BUAN) travelled to China and selected seven types of water-saving and drought-resistant (WDR) rice seeds from the gene centres in Shanghai, Jiangsu, Anhui and other places to bring back to Botswana.

After more than two years of unremitting comparison and cultivation by the agricultural experts from China and Botswana, the trial planting has finally been successful. The rice seeds from China have produced golden grains on the land of Botswana.

At the 1st WDR Rice Harvest Ceremony in Botswana held on June 27, Honourable Vice President Slumber Tsogwane and I walked into the experimental field to harvest the rice and share the joy.

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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