SA farmers welcome lifting of restrictions to export fresh produce to Botswana
The restrictions came after Botswana sought to grow its own vegetable production negatively impacting SA businesses trading in that country.
Vegetables, potatoes, onions. Image: Andres Carreno on Unsplash
JOHANNESBURG - South African farmers have welcomed Botswana's move to lift restrictions on exporting vegetables to the country.
The restrictions came after Botswana sought to grow its vegetable production, negatively impacting South African businesses trading in that country.
Senior economist for trade research at the National Agricultural Marketing Council Thabile Nkunjana said Botswana's decision to lift the ban would benefit both countries.
"This is such an important step for both countries. Farmers, they produce on the basis of market availability now that the ban has been lifted both South African farmers, the businesses along the value chain are going to be benefitting."
Nkunjana added that the ban affected Bostwana negatively as the country struggled to supply fresh produce to its consumers.
"The problem that they were facing was the local supply was not necessarily adequate for the needs of the consumers, particularly the lower class or middle sort of income households. So now they're gonna be able to afford products that are somehow supplied in a manner that is adequate for them to be able to buy."