Botswana is facing serious shortages of sorghum as storage reserves have recorded a decline in the staple food.
This comes hot on the heels of reports that the Botswana Marketing Board (BAMB) is on the verge of importing sorghum to relieve the shortage.
Farmers blame both government and BAMB for the crisis.
Reports reaching this publication suggest that the country is facing a serious shortage of sorghum as “reserves are empty.”
It is further reported that BAMB is in the process of importing sorghum from neighbouring countries in an effort to alleviate the crisis.
BAMB spokesperson Simisani Chilisa said: “BAMB had anticipated to receive 55,000 MT of sorghum as deliveries/purchases from the local farmers in accordance with the signed contract farming agreements for the current harvest season.”
He however says the reality of the harvest outcome has shown that the actual supply of sorghum was below the expected contracted amounts due to low yields emanating from adverse weather conditions.
“To date, we have received 21,347 MT of sorghum with a country wide sorghum output of an estimated 38 000MT. As a matter of policy the Organisation is required to exhaust the local produce before importation, therefore BAMB is in the process of importing sorghum to relieve the shortage. The extended harvest period came to a close on the 29th October 2021,” he said.
For his part, Pandamatenga Farmers Association chairman Aryan Neal confirmed to this publication that the country is witnessing serious shortages of sorghum which is Botswana’s staple food.
“It is true that our own staple food is in serious short supply,” adding that last year his members were unable to grow sorghum due to Covid-19 adding that there was also shortage of chemicals and fertilisers globally.
He added that what made matters worse was the increase of fuel prices which resulted in most farmers feeling the pinch.
“Covid-19 affected our production mostly in which our food security is truly challenges. Pandamatenga farmers produce about 60 000 tonnes. Batswana consume around 50 000 tonnes of sorghum. The government should react quickly in addressing sorghum shortage before the situation gets worse,” he said.
Neal said: “The only immediate reaction that government can consider is by importing sorghum from neighbouring countries. What worries us most is the fact that their grain is of poor quality.”
He said the public should know that Botswana sorghum is one of the best in the world therefore it is worrying when the country is facing such shortage.
For his part, Modise Jeremaya spokesperson of Botswana Millers Association stated that “it is a disgrace to the country that we are unable to produce our own stable food which is sorghum and sorghum is often taken three times a day.”
He recalled that this is not the first time that the country is experiencing such a problem.
He appealed to government to intervene before the problem reaches catastrophic levels.
