08 Sep 2014

Farmers in Matshelagabedi in the North East District have complained about the widespread miscarriage of small stock in their area during a kgotla meeting addressed by the Assistant Minister of Agriculture, Mr Oreeditse Molebatsi on September 4.

One of the farmers, Ms Caroline Shangwa said their small stock was dying at a high rate; as such the assistant minister should intervene as a matter of urgency.

Ms Shagwa also complained that Mr Molebatsi only briefed the residents on the replacement of their cattle which were killed to control the foot and mouth disease that had affected their area, but said nothing about small stock.

She also raised a concern on poor dissemination of information about re-compensation of dead cattle in their area, saying it was not forthcoming.

Another farmer, Ms Catherine Chengeta requested the assistant minister to provide them with transport to trace their cattle said to have strayed to Matopi far away.

She noted that they lost their cattle in November last year, and until today, they do not know anything about them. 

Responding to the issues raised by the farmers, Mr Molebatsi said he was not aware of the problem of abortion affecting small stock in the area; but, in any case, he would take the issue up with the relevant authorities.

He said he would also refer the issue of poor dissemination of information about the registering of dead cattle to the relevant authorities.

Mr Molebatsi further informed them that only cattle that died before February this year would be replaced, but evidence like ear tags, bolus and hides, must be presented.

In addition, Mr Molebatsi said registration of all the cattle to be replaced was now over, adding that farmers should take care of their livestock to avoid cross border movements.

He also encouraged the residents to use the compensation money to buy livestock of their choice, adding that due to the complications associated with the buying of cattle, his ministry had opted to give farmers cash instead of live animals.

On other issues, he said the double ear tags had been priced at P20.00 per pair and that the applicator cost P350.00 each.

He said the prices had been carefully considered and should be affordable to farmers, adding that traceability system in the country was compulsory. 

Meanwhile, the appreciated the compensation of P2 500.00 cash per beast, saying it will make a difference.  ENDS