27 May 2013

 Low prices that Botswana Meat Commission (BMC) and butcheries offer have contributed to the decline of the local beef industry.

 That was a view shared by various farmers before the parliamentary special select committee into the enquiry of the BMC and decline of the beef industry in Ramotswa on May 25.

 Farmers pointed out that both butcheries and BMC paid low prices for their animals and hence they were not motivated.

 One farmer, Mr Ben Tingwane thus implored government to open borders so that farmers would be able to sell their livestock directly to other countries, particularly South Africa.

  Mr Tingwane said the South African market paid much better than local butcheries and BMC, and that has in the past enticed farmers to ‘illegally’ sell to the neighbouring country.

“We want our borders to be opened so that we sell directly to South African market,” he said. Further, he said government must try other markets such as China and Angola as opposed to relying on the European Union market.

  He also called on the BMC to relieve itself of other businesses such as transporting cattle and focus on its mandate of selling Botswana beef.

  “They are now transferring the costs they incur to the farmers,” he said.

 He said local butcheries have also taken advantage of the situation and paid low prices because farmers were stranded with their livestock.

 On the other hand, Mr Nakedi Mokgosi argued that farmers did not have a say in the running of the BMC, something he said had contributed to its current status and the consequent decline of the beef industry.

   “For a long time, farmers have been side-lined and the BMC was serving interests of certain farmers,” Mr Mokgosi said. Another resident, Mr Pipo Molefe said the BMC management was serving its own interests at the expense the beef industry and farmers.

  “Those lavish cars they drive come with a cost to the farmers,” Mr Molefe told the commission.

 Mr Kalaote Kalaote tasked the parliamentary commission to investigate if the BMC can be a sustainable profitable entity.

“If it turns out that the commission cannot be a profitable entity then government must license other operators,” he said. ENDS