12 Mar 2015

Parliament has been told that the fencing of grazing land was considered with the inception of the 1991 policy on agricultural development.

Acting Minister of Agriculture, Mr Patrick Ralotsia said in Parliament that the ministry was in support of fencing of grazing land as this would not only facilitate animal traceability and upholding of stringent export market requirements, but it would also facilitate livestock development, control of animal diseases and ultimately enhance production and productivity.

He said the National Policy on Agricultural Development of 1991 espoused a fencing component which promoted demarcation of ranches including community ranches in grazing areas.

“So far 800 ranches were demarcated and land authorities carried out the allocation of those ranches that were ready. Allocation of these ranches continues to date, in various districts throughout the country,” said the minister.

He further noted that paddocking of all grazing land would require consideration of other land uses such as ploughing, harvesting of thatching grass and other traditional uses.

Tati West MP, Mr Biggie Butale had asked the minister if he would consider paddocking all grazing land in Botswana to assist the traceability of livestock and better husbandry in light of the increasingly stringent demands from the European Union.  ENDS