horticulture business plan in botswana

FIELD CROPS AND HORTICULTURE (DFC&H)

The department of Field Crops and Horticulture undertakes research in the areas of field and horticulture crops to enhance agricultural efficiencies, farm incomes, and advancement of knowledge and promote NARDI as a global Centre of excellence in Research and Development.  In the long term, the DFC&H will be fully fledged with the establishment of seven (7) major programs and three (3) minor programs. These programs include 1) Cereal Crop Improvement, 2) Grain Legumes Crop Improvement, 3) Oil Seed Crop Improvement, 4) Fruit trees and nuts 5) Vegetable Crop improvement, 6) Plant Breeding and Biotechnology, 7) Sustainable Cropping Systems while the minor programs are 1) Climate Smart Crops/Neglected and Underutilized Species (NUS), 2) Industrial Crop Improvement and 3) Floriculture/Ornamental. However, at the commencement of NARDI operations only three programs will be initiated under NARDI Strategic Plan 2022-2026 as follows.

2.1 FIELD CROPS PROGRAM 

Arable farming is a major source of employment and income for the majority of the rural populace.  However, crop production is a highly risky venture due to its heavy reliance on rainfall, which is low and erratic, and relatively poor soils. Rain-fed production is dominated by small-scale farmers, who do not use good agronomic practices, hence they achieve poor crop yields. On average crop yields for major staples (sorghum, maize, and millet) observed for a period of 40 years from 1979 – 2019 seldom exceeded 300 kg per hectare (Statistics Botswana 2019). Therefore, lower production of approximately 20 % of the annual demand of basic grain of 300,000 tons is recorded in the country.   Consequently, Botswana imports a significant bulk of grain crops every year. 

Previous studies showed that yields can be increased from a current average of 0.3 tons/ha of grain to 1-3tons/ha under the same climatic conditions with the use of improved technologies. The NARDI aims to make agriculture more competitive and reduce the country’s reliance on imports of agricultural produce that can be feasibly produced locally.  This will be achieved by setting up programs that enable farmers to improve their level of management and use of the latest technologies. Key projects that will be housed by the programme include 

a) The Improvement of yield of common food grains (sorghum, maize, millet and cowpeas) and oil seed crops. b) Seed Production Development to unlock food system value chains c) Viability testing, economics and competitiveness assessments of selected non-traditional high value crops (wheat and rice).

2.2 HORTICULTURE Agricultural sector is a key area with great potential to diversify the economy and create employment, especially through the horticulture sub-sector. Pomology (fruit trees), Olericulture (vegetables), Floriculture (ornamental and landscaping) and Post-harvest processing are the main branches within the horticulture sub-sector, which NARDI plans to explore aggressively. Horticulture holds great potential for economic development, but there is currently low production of fruits and vegetables, which fail to meet the local demand of 112 000 metric tonnes annually. Lack of capacity and technology, high input costs for fertilizers, seeds, seedlings, and packaging are the key constraints that restrain development of the horticultural value chain (Horticulture Sector Value Chain Analysis and Action Plan, 2015). Therefore, farmers tend to use low quality seeds, have low production and this leads to unreliability of local supply, low quality of produce and high post-harvest losses.

Under the Horticulture Programme NARDI will undertake the following initiatives;

a) Capacity building for increased and sustainable horticultural production focusing on crops restricted for importation. b) The Horticulture program will collaborate with MoA on Horticulture Impact Accelerator Subsidy (IAS) c) program, to develop climate smart agricultural practices that include seedling development protocols. d) Viability testing, economics and competitiveness assessments of selected non-traditional high value crops will also be conducted on olives and dates.

2.3 CLIMATE SMART CROPS/ NEGLECTED and UNDERUTILIZED SPECIES (NUS) PROGRAMME The Climate Smart Crops programme will focus on the development of a domestication strategy for the Neglected and Underutilized Species (NUS). NUS are indigenous, wild plants not yet integrated into mainstream agriculture. These have a potential to contribute to sustainable food systems. Impacts of climate change are already reducing agricultural productivity on major crops thus increasing food insecurity. Most NUS are nutrition-dense and have nutraceutical properties, which are their attributes of climate health co-benefits. Examples include indigenous teas (Langana, Mosukujane), Morama bean (Tylosema esculentum) and Kgengwe (Citrullus lanatus var. citroides) valued for their oil rich characters.

Major challenges of NUS include limited distribution, low abundance and are found in specialized habitats. In addition, they are vulnerable particularly to over-exploitation and have poorly developed value chains. Domestication and cultivation of NUS would diversify the agricultural sector and will enhance the resilience of agricultural production system.

This programme will drive initiatives that aim to domesticate, promote production and commercialization of selected NUS with high economic potential, such as lengana (Artemisia afra), mosukujane (Lippia javanica), morama bean (Tylosema esculentum) and Kgengwe (Citrullus lanatus var. citroides). This would inherently lead to diversified value chains, improved household diets and enhanced incomes and livelihoods. Research on establishment and adaptability to different environments, mechanisms affecting growth and yield will be conducted as it is essential for sustainable production.

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Swot analysis of Botswana’s horticultural value chain

We can all agree that Botswana’s horticultural industry has experienced changes since the advent of COVID-19, some positive, some negative. Reflecting on such events can help us to plan our farming season and to find ways in which we could improve the horticultural value chain. Almost all our producers put their focus on primary production which entails growing and selling, and there is limited knowledge, rather limited exposure of citizen owned SMME’s, companies or national projects engaging in value addition through agro-processing. So let’s point out the progress of our country’s horticultural value chain (HVC) through SWOT analysis .

Botswana’s horticultural industry is identified as a priority area for economic diversification. It aligns with the President’s Reset Priority 4: Value- chain development and Vision 2036 Pillar 1: Sustainable Economic Development. According to Agricultural Finance Scoping FMT report, to date, Botswana produces about 60% of the nation’s demands which consists of vegetables such as tomatoes, cabbage, rape, chou moellier, potatoes, onions, beetroots and others. This shows that we are on our way of becoming self-sufficient in horticultural production. Also, the restriction of horticultural produce from South Africa has done our producers some justice by eliminating the South-African competition and shifting from small scale farming to medium scale farming, where most our local farmers are categorised.  Due to the amendment in land ownership, married women can now own lands independently and because of this, to date, it is estimated that close to 50% Batswana Women possess land ownership. This will promote gender inclusive farming hence more land, increased production and this matches the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 5; Gender equality and SDG 8: Decent work and economic development. Let’s not forget that HVC is a source of livelihood. It brings household income as some are hired as labourers, skilled workers or farmers and this adds value to the horticultural industry.

In Botswana, there is no proper pricing structure for horticultural produce. When the time comes for farmers to sell their produce to retail stores, some get their value and end up experiencing losses. This is why it is important to set out a standard pricing structure for vegetables at retail price and wholesale prices. Horticultural produce are perishables, they tend to waste away because our farmers are not well equipped with post-harvest technologies and preservation techniques. It is the responsibility of the farmer to find out ways on how they can add value to their produce so that they can make extra income from the products. I have observed that in our country, there is no proper crop planning calendar for horticultural crops. Farmers who are new to the industry, tend to plant the quick cash crops like bell peppers and tomatoes not knowing whether it’s their season or not. This disrupts the crop calendar system which is in tune with the climatic and environmental conditions and will lead to uncontrollable sporadic outbreaks of pests and diseases.

Opportunities

Because of the Economic Inclusion Bill 2021, there is so much that Batswana can explore in the horticultural value chain particularly in agro-processing. There are SMME’s who produce Marula Jam and Sweets, Lerotse Jam, Ginger beer, Pickled Artchar and other canned products. The Special Economic Zones Authority (SEZA) has set up Special Economic Zone Sites throughout Botswana which focuses on different areas of production. Pandamatenga focuses on integrated agriculture and agro-processing; Tuli Block focuses on horticulture, Gaborone (SSKIA)  Selibe-Phikwe are into agro-processing. This value chain addition will indeed diversify the economy. Farmers have requested the government to completely ban the importation of horticultural produce from South-Africa and the only condition that can happen is when we are able to produce different varieties of vegetables such as patty pans, aubergines, mushrooms, baby marrows and baby spinach; the vegetables we view as luxury. This crop diversity is definitely a value addition and promote economic diversification.

Good soils and Irrigation is a must for horticulture and the water quality and quantity in Botswana is not up to par. This is why large scale horticultural farms are located in the eastern part of Botswana were there are good soils and good water quality. Most of the medium scale farms are located in the urban and per-urban regions of Botswana where there is presence of underground water or safe treated waste water which is in the Central district, South-east, North east and parts of Southern district. The vast majority of our country is desert-like and not sufficient to support crop life. This brings us to the issue of experiencing harsh climate change effects which are detrimental to plant growth. The frequent outbreak of pests and diseases coupled with failure to control them is a threat to HVC. These threats will slow down the value chain and negatively affects economic growth.

With that said, we come from way far and it is our responsibility to push our country forward.  We must continue with building Botswana’s horticultural value chain because agriculture as a tool we can use to diversify our economy.

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Analysis of Horticultural Production Trends in Botswana

2012, Journal of Plant Studies

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Pace of Vegetable Farmers not Fast Enough to Meet Demand

KASANE 13 May 2022 . Hospitality and Tourism Association of Botswana (HATAB) annual conference starts in Kasane on 13 May 2022 with the theme ÒRebuilding Tourism for the Future;Post Covid 19Ó . The minister of environment and tourism Philda Nani Kereng delivers the keynote speech during the conference. Minister of Agriculture Fidelis Molao along side Dr Morison Sinvula delivering on Agriculture and Tourism development during the panel discussion during the conference. (Pic:Monirul Bhuiyan/PRESS PHOTO)

• But report says local production has continued to improve, going from 37,000 tonnes in 2018/19 and to about 40,000 tonnes in 2020/21

Botswana’s vegetable producers need to increase production by more than 34,000 tonnes if the country is to break free from its reliance on neighbouring South Africa and satisfy local demand for vegetables.

This is according to figures in a new study by the Local Enterprise Authority (LEA) titled “Market Opportunities for Restricted Horticulture Crops in Botswana.” The shortfall has come under sharp relief since the government slapped a ban on importation of fruits and vegetables on New year’s Day 2022 that is reviewed every two years.

The study notes that vegetables restricted from importation include tomatoes, carrots, beetroots, potatoes, cabbage, lettuce, garlic, onions, ginger, turmeric, chilli peppers, butternut, watermelons, sweet peppers, green mealies, and fresh herbs. According to the study, local production has continued to improve, going from 37,000 tonnes in 2018/19 and steadily to about 40,000 tonnes in 2020/21. In value terms, locally produced vegetables increased from P125 million in 2028/19 to P188 million in 2020/21.

“Imports, on the other hand, have also continued to increase year-on-year since 2017, at 27,000 tonnes for three consecutive years from 2017-2019, and, in value terms increasing from P139 million in 2017 to P162 million both in 2018 and 2019,” says the report. “Imports continued to increase in 2020 to about 34,000 tonnes valued P197 million.” The study says during a nine-month period in 2021, imports amounted to 33,000 tonnes valued P194 million. Exports remain insignificant, at values of less than P300 000 annually and less than 25 tonnes on average.

“To substitute vegetables imported in 2020, it is estimated that the size of land required will amount to 902ha, assuming no harvest loss,” it says. “Considering farm losses of about 30 percent, 1289ha of land will be needed to produce 2020 imports quantities.” According to the report, there are five major areas along the Shashe River, the Molopo-Limpopo and Boteti Rivers identified as major horticulture agro-ecological zones. Another three regions – Kweneng, Boteti and the North East – have already been designed and implemented National Cropping Plans.

“Evidently, imports (54 percent) slightly outweigh local production (46 percent), and there is need to more than double production to meet local demand during the period of import restriction,” the study says. Exports remain very insignificant, ranging from 11 tonnes in 2017 (valued about P173 000) to 21 tonnes at a value of about P240 000 in 2019. The report says exports decreased dramatically to about 2 tonnes in 2020, at a value of about P48 000.  “Therefore, with the foregoing picture depicted by the local market, to satisfy the local demand for the restricted vegetables, local production needs to increase by more than 34,000 tonnes,” it says.

Potatoes, tomatoes, onions, peppers and carrots are identified as the five vegetables in higher demand in Botswana. “The total demand of these five vegetables stood at P293 million, with imports accounting for P155 million and local production at P136 million in 2020,” says the report.   “It reveals that more than half of the demand these vegetables were met by imports with the highest being potatoes and carrots (as) the least imported among the five crops “To substitute the imports, it is estimated that the size of land required to produce about 34 000 tonnes of vegetables or even more will amount to 902ha assuming no harvest loss.”

Considering farm losses of about 30 percent, 1289ha of land will be needed to produce and replace the same level of imports of 2020. “In conclusion, on the market size, the local market is still generally dominated by imports, contributing 54 percent while local production stands at 46 percent in satisfying the local demand,” says the report. The study says a further increase in production would support the agro-processing industry and an increase in exports, which are currently negligible.

It notes that on a positive note, 10 of 16 restricted products have quality grading standards developed by Botswana Bureau of Standards (BOBS). These are expected to facilitate formal market access by compensating the farmers according to the quality standards perceived by the market. Rewards for quality are expected to drive farmers towards production under the protected environments with even higher quality and yields compared to open field production methods. Recommendations made in the study are to facilitate increased production and achievement of self-sufficiency in these crops in the short to medium term.

“There is need to develop and coordinate a nation cropping plan with immediate effect to ensure consistent supply of horticulture production in Botswana,” the report notes. It recommends that LEA should facilitate local production of seedlings for the restricted priority crops to ensure local access to quality seedlings in the short term and promote and support expansion of production within the horticulture agro ecological zones.

It also recommends that LEA should identify and facilitate access to productive lands in the horticulture agro ecological zones for potential start-up framers and LEA horticulture incubation graduates, as well as promote production under a controlled environment for specified crops through domestication of appropriate production technologies for SMMEs.

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Account number0101000016620000/100001662000

Reference                    0503-2342

• Bank Name                  Bank of Botswana
• Branch                         Gaborone
• Swift Code                   B BOT BW GX
• Account name             Government of Botswana Remittance Account
• Account number          0101000016620000/100001662000
• Reference                    0503-23429

Application for Farm Equipment through ISPAAD Horticulture

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The component assist Individual and cluster farmers to purchase irrigation system (drip, sprinkler, and centre pivot) which includes water conveyance lines, booster pumps but excludes engines.  Shade net material including polythene tunnels can also be provided through this service.

This assistance will be provided once every 10 years for the irrigation system. The maximum ceiling is P200 000.00. The minimum farm size for individuals and a group is one (1) hectares and two (2) hectares respectively. Individual farmers are expected to contribute 60% of the total cost farm equipment while a group is expected to pay 40%. The programme does not allow or accept contribution in kind.

• Citizens and non-citizens aged 18 years and above
• Applicants should have access to land (proof of ownership or leasehold). In case of leasehold, the lease period should not be less than 10 years.
• Associations, companies, partnerships or groups registered either under Agricultural Management Associations (AMA), Cooperatives, Registrar of Societies or Registrar of Companies
• Farmers who have been assisted once will not qualify for assistance within that year even if they have not exhausted the allocated funds in that particular component
• Submit the relevant supporting documents  to the Agricultural Demonstrator (AD) or Extension Officer (EO)
• The AD will verify if all the necessary information is provided and if the applicant meets the eligibility criteria
• The Agricultural Demonstrator/Extension Officer will submit the application with the supporting documents to the District Crop Production Officer (DCPO)
• The application shall be appraised and the appraising team shall inform the applicant in writing  about the fate of his/her application
• The applicant in turn will submit the approval letter to the supplier of farm equipment or the service provider.
• If approved the farmer or a group must pay the supplier 60% and 40% of the total cost of the farm equipment and the Government pays the other 40 % and 60% respectively. .
• If the applicant is aggrieved about the decision of the appraising team on his or her application , he or she shall make an appeal to the office of the Director of Crop Production within 30 days of receiving the response letter from the DCPO
• Certified copy of valid National Identity Card (Omang).
• Land Board Certificate, lease or title deed. In case of lease, the lease period should not be less than 10 years.
• Business plan
• Prove of established and reliable water source (e.g the borehole must yield at least 2.5m³/hour to be able to irrigate half a hectare)
• For associations, companies, partnerships or groups registered prove of registration either under Agricultural Management Associations (AMA), Cooperatives, Registrar of Societies or Registrar of Companies.
• Three (3) months.  
• Individual farmers pays 60% of the cost of farm equipment.
• Groups pay 40% of the cost of farm equipment.

Horticulture, ISPAAD, Farm equipment, net shade, irrigation system, drip irrigation, tunnels

Application for production inputs support through ISPAAD Horticulture

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Individual farmers and groups can be assisted with purchasing of pesticides, fertilizers, packaging material, seedlings and seeds. All farmers cultivating a minimum of 0.5 hectares are eligible for farm inputs. In case of seedling (vegetables and fruits), mushroom and ornamental project, the size of the farm must be at least 0.25 hectares. This assistance will be available once a year, that is once every 12 months for a period of 3 years. The maximum ceiling is P120 000.00.

The minimum farm size for individuals and a group is 0.5 hectares and 2 hectares respectively. Individual farmers are expected to contribute 60% of the total cost of inputs while a group is expected to pay 40%. Purchasing of inputs and farm implement will be guided by the business plan.

• Applicants who have access to land (proof of ownership or leasehold). In case of leasehold, the lease period should not be less than 10 years.
• Submit the relevant supporting documents  to the Agricultural Demonstrator (AD) or Extension Officer (EO)
• The application shall be appraised and the appraising team shall inform the applicant in writing  about the fate of his/her application
• The applicant in turn will submit the approval letter to the supplier of production inputs or the service provider.
• If approved the farmer or a group must pay the supplier 60% and 40% of the total cost of the production inputs and the Government pays the other 40 % and 60% respectively.
• Individual farmers pays 60% of the cost of production inputs
• Groups pay 40% of the cost of production inputs.
• Contributions in kind are not accepted and all contributions must be in cash

Botswana, Botswana Government, Republic of Botswana, Government of Botswana, Agriculture, Food Security

Horticulture, ISPAAD, Production inputs, fertilizers

Seed Testing Application

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The Seed Multiplication Unit in the Ministry of Agricultural Development and Food Security is mandated to certify seed lots under the Laws of Botswana and certification is limited to seed of officially recognized varieties, so grown and inspected, to protect varietal identity.

• Seed producers.
• Seed companies.
• Private institutions.
• Researchers.
• Individual farmers.
• Fill and Submit the Seed testing submission form along with the seed sample to the seed testing laboratory for testing.
• The evaluation report will be given.

No supporting documents. 

Fourteen to Twenty-one (14 to 21) working days depending on the influx of samples and the functional status of laboratory equipment. 

Department of Agricultural Research. Ministry of Agricultural Development and Food Security.

Opening hours: 07:30 to 12:45 and 13:45 to 16:30, Monday to Friday except, public holidays

Seed inspection, protect seed varietal identity, certify seed, Seed testing submission.