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MINISTRY OF LANDS AND AGRICULTURE APPEARS BEFORE THE PAC The Ministry of Lands and Agriculture appeared before the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) as part of the Committee's ongoing examination of government accounts for the 2022/2023 financial year. Briefing the Committee, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Lands and Agriculture, Dr Mokganedi Mokopasetso reported that the review of the 1991 National Agricultural Policy was approved by Parliament on 31 March 2026 to drive the commercialisation and innovation of Botswana's agricultural sector. Members sought updates on the transfer of the Banyana Farm asset to Government and the measures being implemented to accelerate land allocation. The Committee also questioned the shortage of veterinary doctors, with the Permanent Secretary noting that only 38 of the 150 established posts are currently filled. Dr Mokopasetso informed the Committee that agriculture contributed a relatively low 1.7 percent to Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in 2023 accounting for just 0.03 percent of overall national GDP growth. Despite this low contribution, he highlighted positive export performance in key agricultural commodities. Citrus exports increased from 2 790.7 tonnes in 2024 to 13 721.2 tonnes in 2025 while beef exports through the Botswana Meat Commission generated P2.36 billion between 2020 and 2025 despite periodic disruptions caused by Foot and Mouth Disease outbreaks. He further noted that the Botswana Vaccine Institute continues to contribute to export earnings through livestock vaccine sales. The Committee also expressed concern over low crop production and questioned the measures being implemented to improve yields, the measurable impact of the Lemang Dijo programme and the Ministry's initiatives to attract and retain the youth in agriculture. The Committee encouraged the Ministry to strengthen its oversight measures and ensure that Land Boards are finally audited, as they have remained unaudited for three years.