01 Jul 2015

The increase of measles cases recorded by Botswana Meat Commission (BMC) threatens the beef market, says the Minister of Agriculture.

Minister Patrick Ralotsia said this when addressing a kgotla meeting in Mogobane on Monday (June 29). He said 13 per cent of cattle slaughtered at BMC abattoirs were reported to have measles.

This, he said, was a threat to the country’s beef export as cattle affected with measles would not make grade to the export market.

He pointed that the European Union, which offered a lucrative market, had strict conditions which Botswana must adhere to, hence cases of measles could compromise the market.

“Measles is becoming a very big problem for our beef industry,” said Mr Ralotsia. He said measles outbreak occurs when cattle gain access to water or plants contaminated with human waste.

He regretted that it was common throughout the country for people to dispose diapers anywhere and this contributes to the spread of measles. Still on BMC, he said the commission is faced with cash flow problems as they are failing to pay farmers within 48 hours as they have pledged in their standards.

Therefore, he asked farmers to bear with the commission saying the government is working on bringing the situation under control.

On other issues, he encouraged farmers to take advantage of government schemes aimed at supporting food production. He said the government strives for food security   but warned that would not be realised if farmers do not up their game.

“We cannot produce food on an idle land,” said Mr Ralotsia who stressed that a huge land designated for agriculture remains idle.

During comments, Gamalete Development Trust chairperson Mr Lawrence Magosi said the tribe is committed to resuscitating the Mogobane Irrigation Scheme.

He said their intention is to start with the horticulture project and later introduce dairy farming.

Another speaker, Mr Kgosiabone Kokwe said Mogobane youth have interest in small stock farming but they are discouraged by shortage of small stock.

However the South East District agriculture officer Ms Monia Mfolwe said shortage of small stock is affecting the whole country but noted that they have come up with interventions for the problems. ENDS