20 Feb 2017

Ngamiland farmers have supported the decision by the government to keep Maun Botswana Meat Commission (BMC) as a government entity.

They welcomed the decision during a meeting addressed by the Minister of Agricultural Development and Food Security, Mr Patrick Ralotsia who consulted them on the future of BMC.

Speaking on behalf of the joint associations in Ngamiland, Mr Mokadi Masedi who is the chairperson of North West Integrated Farmers Association agreed with the government decision but requested more time to engage other stakeholders.

He said through their associations, they would have the opportunity to appreciate the reasons that informed the decision adding that at present as farmers, they could not regard themselves as having been part of the process due to the fact that the government takes decision on farmers’ behalf.

He said the government should have engaged farmers to be part of the process right from the beginning. “We request that you give us time so that we consult widely and we shall come back to you. Right now the time is too short to interrogate all the process,” he added.

Mr Masedi also appreciated efforts by the ministry in developing the beef industry noting that the minister has been acting promptly to farmers’ concerns.

He said the minister took into consideration the importance of associations as he always listened to their voice and assured him a maximum support.

On other issues, he requested the minister to deal with the BMC monopoly adding that currently, the entity does not act in good faith and that it does not provide a conducive environment for investment. Farmers also requested for the revival of quarantines.

Earlier on, Mr Ralotsia told the gathering that with current situation at BMC, the government has come up with a resolution to privatise Lobatse abattoir with its shares being split between government and private sector.

He mentioned that one of the resolutions was that Maun abattoir be kept as a government entity, as an insurance for Batswana that government would keep buying from them. He said that it was also noted that an expression of interest would be issued out for the Francistown abattoir.

Mr Ralotsia further indicated that the expectation was that Lobatse abattoir should slaughter 650 animals a day, Francistown 380 a day and Maun 120 a day but noted that the expectation had not been realized except in Maun.

He reported that Francistown plant was designed to slaughter over 300 animals but had never managed even half of that quota adding that in a day, they could only do 76. He said government’s decision to keep the Maun abattoir open was meant to sustain the industry so that it does not collapse.

The minister assured farmers that the government is committed to take the beef industry to greater heights and urged them to consider destocking some of their animals while still healthy enough to earn them good prices.

He said they should sell and remain with manageable size in order to become commercial farmers. He appreciated that traditionally, Ngamiland community depended much on rearing of livestock but emphasised the need to manage them in a business manner to benefit more.

Mr Ralotsia noted that farmers should appreciate that they are living in an environment characterised by changes. BOPA