26 Jun 2016

A member of Ntlo Ya Dikgosi, Kgosi Kgosidialwa Moalosi of Tonota region has implored the Botswana Meat Commission (BMC) to recognise the role of communal farmers in the production of beef. 

Deliberating on the BMC presentation during Ntlo Ya Dikgosi sitting on June 22, he said government  should devise means by which economic livelihood of communal farmers could be improved as they benefitted less in the production of beef at BMC.

He said the fruits of BMC were only enjoyed by a few farmers who were said to adhere to the European Union (EU) regulations while many farmers were being disadvantaged for reasons beyond their control.

Kgosi Moeti Monyamane of Kgalagadi North asked as to what BMC was doing to assist many farmers who did not own the zero-tooth cattle that were desired by BMC markets.

Kgosi Kealetile Moremi of Batawana asked why buying prices were different for EU and non EU markets and even local markets such as Maun, which she said was as low as P19.50 per kilogram.

BMC chief executive officer, Dr Akolang Tombale encouraged dikgosi to raise community awareness on the spread of  measles, which was caused by non-usage of toilets at cattle posts and major public stop-overs as people relieve themselves in the bush.

He called on dikgosi to engage their communities on the importance of building toilets at their cattle posts.

Dr Tombale said BMC would consider introduction of toilets as one of the BMC requirements for farmers to meet required standards.

He said the way of slaughtering cattle at BMC was adopted based on EU market that purchased halaal products.

On other issues, Dr Tombale said prices were varying per specific markets, adding that government was continuing to explore other markets in the continent so that more farmers should benefit. Ends