Botswana bans imports of SA oranges, on top of vegetable ban
Stephen Grootes gets comment from Paul Makube, senior agricultural economist at FNB.
Oranges, orange tree, citrus. Image: Hans on Pixabay
In bad news for cross-border trade, Botswana has imposed another ban on agricultural imports from South Africa, this time on oranges.
A ban on vegetable produce, initially meant to expire in December 2023, was extended last year to the end of 2025.
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The new ban on oranges is temporary, reports BusinessLIVE.
It's effective from 17 June to 31 August this year.
As with the vegetable produce ban, this new measure is aimed at boosting local farmers and Botswana's economy and local farmers.
The article says that their ministry has urged businesses to source the fruit locally from the Tuli Block.
'Authorities have been tasked with closely monitoring the production situation to ensure the initiative’s success.'
Stephen Grootes gets comment from Paul Makube, senior agricultural economist at FNB.
It is a worrying development says Makube, given the kind of relations South Africa has with the region.
"From a production perspective, South Africa has been at the forefront of both research and development, and adoption of innovative technologies that can advance production to actually cater for the region.
"Of course it is expected that Botswana have to produce locally as well, but things should be done in a harmonious way... There's an opportunity for both to benefit from engagement in terms of technologies that we can share as they look forward to growing their economy as well."
Paul Makube, Senior Agricultural Economist - FNB
Makube notes that Botswana's new ban on orange imports also makes it difficult for South African farmers to plan ahead.
He feels that it flies in the face the Africa Free Trade Agreement, which promotes greater integration.
"... and then on the other hand there is regression in terms of policy approaches... .but if tis done in a manner where there are surprises it becomes a problem for planning for the farmers, given that it is act a big market into the continent"
Paul Makube, Senior Agricultural Economist - FNB
Listen to the conversation in the interview audio at the top of the article