21 Feb 2016

The Minister of Agriculture, Mr Patrick Ralotsia, has described the four-day visit by the deputy minister of agriculture in Zimbabwe as crucial to the economies of the two countries.

Speaking during  a farewell dinner he hosted for the delegates in Gaborone on Thursday, Mr Ralotsia said the fact that the Zimbabwean entourage saw it fit to tour the Botswana Vaccine Institute (BVI) was an indication that the organisation played a vital role in the cattle industry of both countries.

He said the institute, which produces vaccine and exports to some parts of the world, Africa included, is a source of pride for the country.      

Mr Ralotsia also noted that the team visited the Botswana Meat Commission (BMC).

For his part, Zimbabwe’s deputy minister of agriculture, Mr Paddy Zhanda said their visit was a success as both leaderships of the two countries were able to dialogue on issues pertaining to animal husbandry.

He said their visit to BIV was an eye opener, adding that his country was one of the countries that buys livestock vaccines from Botswana, especially the Foot and Mouth Disease vaccine. Mr Zhanda said some pertinent issues cropped up during their discussions, and that there was an urgent need for the two sides to engage each other more frequently.

Meanwhile, he described the vaccine institute as a regional assert which should be supported for the benefit of the region’s cattle industry, adding that although his country sometimes delays in the payment of vaccines, this should not be construed in bad faith. He added that his country would endeavour to always pay its vaccine credit on time.

The public relations officer in the Ministry of   Agriculture, Mr Geoffrey Pheko said the main objective of the visit was to benchmark on the Livestock Identification and Trace Back System (LITS), and to see how Botswana was mitigating the effects of the drought which has also affected Zimbabwe.

He said the delegates were also informed about the process of contracting farmers for feedlot initiatives by BMC officials. They also visited the Ramatlabama Bull Stud, which is the heart of artificial insemination for various breeds.

Botswana Vaccine Institute general manager, Dr George Matlho said his organisation has assisted the Department of Veterinary Services in Zimbabwe with various technical issues including collection and testing of field samples, provision of diagnostic reagents to CVL, technical backstopping missions and cross-border technical meetings.

Dr Matlho also confirmed that BVI laboratories continue to support Zimbabwe in confirmation of FMD cases and the supply of required vaccines. He said technical support missions were provided to Zimbabwe through bench training on FMD serological surveillance.

He said there was need for closer cooperation at field level, adding that there was need for BVI involvement and support as Zimbabwe works on its FMD strategy during 2016. Ends