27 Feb 2013

The Ministry of Agriculture (MoA) works closely with farmers’ association on matters pertaining to policy and challenges facing the industry, says Assistant Minister of Agriculture, Mr Oreeditse Molebatsi.

He said the ministry’s assistance to associations was not limited to sponsorships to attend national and international events and the provision of infrastructure such as markets for their produce. He noted that the MoA conducted a countrywide tour addressing farmer’s associations on the transition from bolus to ear tag as a unique cattle identification device.

This, he said, was complemented by addressing farmers at the two consultative meetings at Good Hope and Francistown, adding that the ministry intended to embark on a publicity campaign prior to commencement of the ear tag programme.

He said nine categories of farmer’s associations had been registered with the ministry. The associations, he added, included beef, dairy, small stock, piggery, poultry, ostrich, horticulture, honey and rainfed.

The MP for Kanye South, Mr Abram Kesupile had asked the minister to state the number of categories of farmers associations.

He requested the minister to state how they had been involved in the campaign for the anticipated ear tag for cattle identification. ENDS