29 Feb 2016

The Minister of Agriculture, Mr Patrick Ralotsia, says the compensation amount given to farmers when their cattle have been confiscated for unlawfully entering the buffalo fence has been increased to P700 per beast. 

He told a kgotla meeting  in Nokaneng on Friday that government had revised the compensation amount of P400.

Mr Ralotsia further said the increase was an answer to a plea that residents raised during a kgotla meeting with President Lt Gen. Dr Seretse Khama Ian Khama recently.

The compensation amount for goats was increased from P200 to P400.

Mr Ralotsia said this arrangement would apply to everyone in the country.

 Minister Ralotsia said he was aware that the amount was still not enough and he therefore encouraged farmers to take care of their livestock.

He condemned farmers who left their cattle to roam around unattended indicating that it did not show responsibility on the part of farmers.

The minister said farmers should know that being a good farmer came with challenges, therefore they needed to work hard. 

He said challenges included diseases both in crops and livestock.

Mr Ralotsia encouraged residents to venture into other means of farming such as bee and poultry farming.

He said these had proved to be easy to manage hence need to consider carefully.

He said he was aware of their plea for the artificial insemination quarantine in Nokaneng to function.

The minister also assured them that the ear tags for the cattle will be available in Gumare; therefore they would not have to travel as far as Maun to buy them.

Farmers committee chairman Mr Oagile Keothokile complained about the Botswana Meat Commission buying their cattle at a low price.

He also said it was taking too long for people to be compensated and also requested the minister to ensure that ear tags were brought near them because they have been travelling as far as Maun to get them.

The Member of Parliament for Ngami, Mr Thato Kwerepe, thanked government for increasing the compensation amount.

He also said the village of Nokaneng was blessed since many ministers were visiting them this year. 

However MP Kwerepe said he was not happy about people who still vandalised the buffalo fence.

He applauded people in Tubu and surrounding areas for helping in maintaining the buffalo fence. Ends