Tuli Block Farmers Confront Severe Oversupply as Fresh Produce Remains Unsold

Tuli Block Farmers Confront Severe Oversupply as Fresh Produce Remains Unsold. Horticultural farmers in the Tuli Block are grappling with a significant oversupply of vegetables, with thousands of tonnes of produce currently sitting in storage or left in the fields due to slowing demand. The situation has raised concerns among growers who have invested heavily in production but are now struggling to move their crops through formal retail channels.

Current figures from farms across the region show an estimated 18,000 tonnes of potatoes stored across five major farms, alongside 3,400 tonnes of onions. Farmers also report holding 130,000 heads of cabbage, 20,000 watermelons at Seleka, 22,500 watermelons at Veggie Block, 360 tonnes of tomatoes and 120 tonnes of peppers, among other produce. The scale of the surplus has made it increasingly difficult for farmers to recover costs or maintain operations at their usual pace.

Producers attribute the challenge to reduced retail uptake and market saturation, both of which have slowed the flow of goods into shops and distribution centres. Farmers also highlight ongoing concerns about unregulated competition, smuggling and barriers that make exporting more difficult, limiting access to nearby regional markets.

For businesses and entrepreneurs in Botswana’s agricultural value chain, the oversupply presents both a warning and an opportunity. On one hand, the current situation underscores the need for more efficient market linkages and stronger local procurement structures. On the other, it signals potential openings for innovators in agro-processing, cold chain logistics and localised distribution to help absorb surplus produce in future seasons.

Many farmers remain hopeful that improved coordination between producers, retailers and regulators can help strengthen the horticultural sector and protect future harvests from similar challenges.