BDP failed to see Hemp's potential - Ralotsia
Former Minister of Agriculture Patrick Ralotsia says he pities the Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) for failing to recognise the economic value of industrial hemp, insisting that the country has finally taken a step in the right direction after years of resistance.
Speaking in an interview with Botswana Guardian this week, Ralotsia reflected on a decision that he says ultimately cost him both his ministerial position and political career following an exemption under the Plant Protection Act to allow a hemp cultivation trial. His views come days after President Duma Boko publicly praised him during a visit to the hemp trial project in Sebele, describing him as a courageous leader who had taken a bold decision in support of hemp cultivation despite the political consequences.
Ralotsia said the recognition by the President was deeply meaningful because it acknowledged a decision he has defended for years.
'I prayed for a long time that before I die, I would see hemp being cultivated in Botswana. Now that I have seen it, I am ready to die because one of my biggest dreams for this country has come true,' he said.
He said it was unfortunate that the previous administration failed to appreciate the opportunities presented by industrial hemp.
'I pity them; they could not see the importance of hemp and what it could do for Botswana,' Ralotsia said.
According to Ralotsia, the exemption he granted years ago triggered strong resistance. The hemp plants were destroyed, those involved in the project were arrested, and there were threats of prosecution. Despite the backlash, he said he has never regretted his decision. Ralotsia maintained that industrial hemp should never have been treated in the same way as narcotic cannabis because the crop has enormous industrial, environmental and economic value.
He explained that industrial hemp is a variety of cannabis sativa grown specifically for industrial and commercial purposes and contains very low levels of the psychoactive compound associated with recreational marijuana.
'Hemp is not the same as what many people think when they hear the word cannabis. Cannabis is a broad term, but industrial hemp is cultivated for manufacturing and other commercial uses,' he said.
He said that hemp can be processed into a wide range of products, including cooking oils, cosmetics, paper, rope, textiles, clothing, biodegradable plastics, paint, insulation materials, biofuel, food products and animal feed. Ralotsia added that hemp fibres can also be used in the construction sector. 'You can even build houses using hemp materials, including roofing. Some of these houses require very little cooling because the material provides natural insulation,' he said. He further said hemp farming offers environmental benefits by improving soil health and helping to restore soil nutrients. 'It is good for the soil and fits well into sustainable agriculture. It is not just another crop. It is a crop that can contribute to environmental protection while creating wealth,' he said.
Ralotsia believes the development of a hemp industry could stimulate industrialisation, create employment opportunities and open new export markets for Botswana.
Hemp can be used to manufacture military tents, clothing, industrial fabrics and numerous other products currently imported into the country. While encouraging investment in the industry, he stressed that hemp cultivation should remain properly regulated. 'Anyone who wants to venture into hemp production must acquire the necessary licences. It is an industry that should be managed responsibly,' he said. Reflecting on the personal cost of his decision, Ralotsia said although supporting hemp effectively ended part of his political dream, he believes the sacrifice was worthwhile if it helped future generations. 'Sediba ga o se epa, ga se dirisiwe ke motho a le nosi,' meaning that development is a collective effort whose benefits extend beyond one individual.
'My dream may have been interrupted, but if it opened the way for others and for the country, then it was worth it,' he said.
Ralotsia revealed that his support for hemp did not begin when he was a minister. He said he continued advocating for the legalisation of industrial hemp even after leaving office, and that he publicly appealed to government to legalise hemp, arguing that Botswana was missing out on a rapidly growing global industry.
He said many countries have already embraced hemp as an agricultural and industrial commodity, generating employment and investment while maintaining strict regulatory controls. He believes Botswana now has an opportunity to position itself within that emerging market.