17 Jul 2014

Botswana Meat Commission communications manager, Mr Tiro Kganela says while the abattoir is focused on producing beef, a lot of raw materials which could be utilised by locals are going to waste.

Addressing the Xhosa Youth Business Association workshop in Mahalapye recently, Mr Kganela said a lot of raw materials were going to waste even though they had the potential to produce valuable products.

He said livestock related businesses were more profitable. He appealed to aspiring young entrepreneurs to think big and view the cattle industry as a profitable undertaking. Mr Kganela said livestock related projects or agriculture in general was key towards food security.

Mr Kganela noted that BMC was currently running feedlots to prepare cattle before slaughter and as such, there was a high demand for fodder to feed the cattle on a daily basis.

He said cattle were kept for 90 days at feedlots before slaughter, adding that BMC spends P700 per day to feed each beast. “We want a lot of cattle feed and we currently source most of it from outside the country,” he said.

Mr Kganela appealed to the youth to take advantage of such opportunities to help improve their livelihoods and diversify the economy of the country.

He also said only a few individuals utilise kraal manure at BMC feedlots. “Buy kraal manure at BMC feedlots at a cheaper price and supply to businesses and individuals to develop gardens.” Mr Kganela also noted that bath soaps were made from cattle by-products.

He also noted that the Ministry of Trade and Industry has engaged in a feasibility study on the use of hides and skins from BMC abattoirs. Mr Kganela said the BMC abattoir at Lobatse slaughters 700 cattle per day while the Francistown and Maun abattoirs slaughter 400 and 90 per day respectively.

Mr Kganela said it was unfortunate that the cattle industry was dominated by the elderly while the youth have taken a backseat.

He appealed to the youth to prepare for a takeover from the elderly and to ensure that the beef industry continues to be part and parcel of a Motswana lifestyle. ENDS