The transformative Selebi Phikwe Citrus project is poised to boost fruit collection from its farm as it undergoes ongoing trials.
Currently, the P300 million citrus project features various varieties of oranges, naartjies, lemons, and grapefruits. Some of these fruits are already being exported to international markets such as Canada, the United Arab Emirates, and Saudi Arabia.
Mangoes, apples, bananas, apricots and cherries as well as an assortment of other fruits, which are in high demand at the international market, are under trials in the farm section designated as a laboratory site.
“We are trying more and more fruits,” Lorato Banda, the agribusiness executive at the Selebi Phikwe Economic Diversification Unit (SPEDU), told journalists during a recent media tour post the first citrus harvest conducted last month.
Banda said several of the fruits that are under trial are showing strong signs of positivity and there is a higher probability of more fruit varieties being introduced for the international market.
According to Banda, at least 840,000 seedlings were planted during Phase 1 following the completion of a 17,000 square meter pack house, which is expected to employ 1,000 people at its full capacity.
Furthermore, the project will create business opportunities across various value chains – in a move aimed at revitalising the economy of the former nickel mining and copper smelting township of Selebi Phikwe, said Banda.
Botswana Investment and Trade Centre (BITC) Executive Director – Brand Botswana, Kutlo Moagi said opportunities arising include manufacturing of juice, packaging materials, transport and logistics and honey production.
With the combined efforts by the ministries of Investment, Trade and Industry and Agriculture having played crucial roles in facilitating market access for the project, Moagi said Botswana is poised to become a major player in citrus production.
The Department of Plant Health has opened up protocol and permit markets for citrus exports, ensuring that the project can access international markets with ease.
Botswana has met the European Union (EU), Canada, China, the Philippines, UAE and Saudi Arabia market access requirements, according to Mmusi Kgafela, the Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry.
“I am happy to report that our desire to export has been actualised as the first consignment was dispatched last week to the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia,” Minister Kgafela revealed.
Last year, Botswana imported 5,773 tonnes of various types of fruits from South Africa and other countries.
