The Botswana government is quietly building a new agricultural export story, one rooted not in its traditional cattle or maize sectors but in the rich, aromatic soil of organic turmeric, with Germany as the destination and P152 million as the prize.
Assistant Minister of Trade and Entrepreneurship Baratiwa Mathoothe confirmed the projected revenue from an organic turmeric pilot programme covering the 2025/26 and 2026/27 seasons, involving 160 contracted farmers across eight districts. The initiative is a partnership between a German company and a local agricultural firm, designed to connect Botswana’s smallholder farmers directly to Europe’s premium organic market. The early numbers are both encouraging and humbling. Of the 160 contracted farmers, only 24 planted turmeric this season, covering 22.3 hectares, a figure Mathoothe attributed directly to the prohibitive cost of entry. Establishing a single hectare requires approximately P61,000 for seed alone, with total production costs including certification, traceability compliance and other inputs and potentially reaching P300,000 per hectare per season. “Many aspiring farmers were unable to secure the necessary loans,” said Mathoothe.
Those 24 who did plant are expected to produce approximately 892 tonnes this season, with harvesting anticipated in May or June, drying to follow and first export consignments scheduled for August or September. Each hectare is projected to generate between P4 – 6 million in revenue from both rhizomes and leaves. These figures, if realised, will make a powerful case for wider participation. The 2026/27 season is already generating momentum. More than 100 participants attended the official launch in Palapye on 28 March 2026, with 70 farmers trained and finalising contracts for the next cycle beginning in August. One large scale farmer is preparing to cultivate up to 200 hectares, an enterprise expected to create over 120 permanent and approximately 180 temporary jobs. The Ministry also plans to expand organic production into ginger, garlic, safflower and medicinal herbs, widening the vision from a turmeric pilot to a broader premium organic export platform.
