11 Apr 2016

The Minister of Agriculture Mr Patrick Ralotsia has explained that government introduced a subsidy on livestock feeds last year to mitigate adverse effects of drought on farmers.

Speaking in Parliament on Friday, Mr Ralotsia said the subsidy was 25 per cent when it started in June last year, but increased to 50 per cent in December. 

He said the feed subsidy package which covers lucerne, lab lab, maize/sorghum stalk bales and dairy meal was introduced through a Presidential Directive.

“Feed was sold through Livestock Advisory Centres (LACs) and continue to be sold through BAMB outlets countrywide,” Mr Ralotsia said. 

Mr Ralotsia said BMC pays farmers within 14 days from the date of slaughter of their cattle. 

He was responding to a question from Ghanzi North MP Mr Noah Salakae, who had asked the minister to update Parliament on measures put in place by government to mitigate farmers against adverse effects of drought.

Mr Salakae also asked whether farmers are still subjected to “lengthy delays” before they receive their dues after selling cattle to the Botswana Meat Commission. Ends