Botswana government expands list of banned fruits and vegetables

The country enforced a ban on the import of 19 horticulture items in January 2022 including tomatoes, carrots, and watermelon.

Since its implementation, local farming has improved with considerable growth in local produce and the country has saved money on the import bill.

Speaking during a panel discussion at the Hospitality and Tourism Association of Botswana (HATAB) annual conference in Maun, Minister Molao said, “through these restrictions, the import bill on horticultural products was reduced by 71 percent from P634 million ($46 million) in 2018 to P186 million ($13 million) by 2023”.

“From 67, 612 tonnes in production in 2021 we are now reporting 86, 260.20 tonnes as at 2023, which translates to 21.6 percent growth in terms of what Batswana are able to produce and are able to take to the market,” Molao was quoted by local media outlet The Voice BW.

Despite this, there are still calls for more support for small-scale farmers and local farmers for the production of high-end products. The government is also investing in a collection centre for the storage of produce.

Meanwhile, Minister Molao is yet to indicate which particular fruits and vegetables will be added to the list although it is suggested that lemons and oranges may be included due to a promising first harvest of the Selebi Phikwe Citrus Project in the country this year.

The ban is expected to be in effect till the end of 2025.

The list of banned items includes tomatoes, carrots, beetroot, potatoes, cabbage, lettuce, garlic, onions, ginger, turmeric, chilli peppers, butternut, watermelon, sweet peppers, green mealie, fresh herbs, rape, choumoellier, and strawberries.