16 Oct 2016

The Ministry of Agriculture is aware of problem of shortage of transport, breakdown of equipment that hinder cattle bolus insertion and insufficient financial provision for overtime including working overtime over weekends.
Answering a question in Ntlo ya Dikgosi on behalf of the Minister of Agriculture, the Assistant Minister of Local Government and Rural Development Ms Botlogile Tshireletso said the problem was common across government departments, especially extension based departments like those under the Ministry of Agriculture.
She said in an effort to address the situation, the Ministry of Agriculture is implementing several initiatives such as outsourcing some of the services such as supply of veterinary medicines and feed, vaccination and capturing of animal information into the national animal database.
“This will not only improve service delivery but it will also release the ministry officials to focus more on the core functions for regulation of the livestock industries and provision of extension and advisory service to the farmers,” she said.
Another initiative, Ms Tshireletso said will be engaging farmers in maintenance of disease control infrastructure.
“This partnership leverages on the strategic location of farmers especially those farming along disease control fences,” she said.
Ms Tshirelesto said the arrangement can save government a lot of money in transport costs, wage and overtime bill. “Most importantly it will engender a sense of ownership amongst farmers and enhance compliance with disease control measures,” she said.
Kgosi Peter Chika III of Chobe Region asked the minister if he is aware that shortage of transport, inability of officers to work over weekends and continuous breakdown of equipment hinders cattle bolus distribution. He also wanted to know how the minister intends to address the situation.ENDS