Botswana Government to Launch State-of-the-Art Pandamatenga Silos

On July 31, 2024, Botswana will mark a significant milestone in its agricultural sector with the official launch of the Pandamatenga Silos, a state-of-the-art facility aimed at revolutionizing grain management. Funded to the tune of P180 million, the silos are a key component of the broader initiative to enhance infrastructure within the country’s the Agricultural Special Economic Zone (ASEZ).

The project, which began in March 2020 during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic was completed in August 2023 and comprises of twelve (12) modern steel grain silos with a total storage capacity of 60,000 metric tons, which significantly augments the existing 30,000 metric tons. The scope of the project also included the construction of a truck weighbridge, control room, drainage system, and electricity upgrade.

President Dr. Mokgweetsi Masisi, is expected to officially commission the silos, which are designed to tackle the key challenges of grain storage and management faced by commercial farmers operating in the Pandamatenga region. The new facilities will enhance efficiency by reducing post-harvest losses and improving grain handling. This optimization of the supply chain, from harvest to market, will not only boost the efficacy of grain management but also improve quality control and preservation, thereby increasing market value and returns for farmers.

Special Economic Zone (SEZA) Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Lonely Mogara, emphasized the project’s importance, noting that the lack of storage for produce was a major impediment to the growth of the Pandamatenga Special Economic Zone. The increased storage capacity will remove production bottlenecks and allow for the division of silos to store various crops such as sorghum, maize, wheat, and sunflower. Mogara highlighted that the modern facilities will motivate farmers to produce more food, contributing to poverty eradication and ensuring food security.

Pandamatenga Farmers Association, Chairman Jaco Strachan, echoed those sentiments, expressing optimism that the additional silos will streamline bulk deliveries and reduce labor costs. He noted that in previous bumper harvests, insufficient storage forced grain to be moved to other branches, but the new facilities will provide ample storage capacity.

The launch of the Pandamatenga Silos aligns with the government’s broader strategies related to trade, industry, and economic development. This initiative is part of a strategic push to improve agricultural infrastructure, creating a more conducive environment for commercial farming and increasing agricultural output. The silos are expected to enhance Botswana’s trade position by ensuring a steady supply of high-quality grains, opening new market opportunities, and strengthening the country’s position in regional and international trade.

In addition, the government is integrating sustainable practices into agricultural operations, with the Pandamatenga Silos supporting these efforts through better storage and management of agricultural products. This project is a crucial step towards diversifying Botswana’s economy, reducing dependency on other sectors, and fostering sustainable growth in the agricultural sector.

^{Feature photo by Botswana Daily News}