16 May 2017

Minister of Agricultural Development and Food Security says it is obligatory to inspect all meat prior to consumption.

Mr Patrick Ralotsia said during a kgotla meeting in Ranaka on May 15 that meat needed to be inspected because of its sensitive nature.

The sensitive nature of meat, he underscored, made it susceptible to diseases, which have the potential to expose human beings to danger if consumed without prior scrutiny.

“We have had cases in the past where people got into trouble for consuming such meat,” he said.

Meanwhile, Mr Ralotsia, who is also MP for Kanye North, told residents that government was contemplating closing Francistown abattoir, which he said had not brought return for investment since inception.

The facility, according to the Minister, had failed to slaughter even half the expected 380 daily quota.

To this end, he said there had been consultation with farmers in and around Francistown, where a consensus to close the facility was also reached.

 Also, Minister Ralotsia expressed concern about soaring incidents of measles infested meat at Botswana Meat Commission (BMC) slaughter facilities; something he noted compromised the quality of meat.

“Eight and sometimes 10 out of every 100 animals brought to our facilities carry measles virus,” he said, urging farmers to take the necessary precautions and secure clean pastures for their animals.

Although he was happy that a total of 466 farmers ploughed about 1 742 hectares, Mr Ralotsia pleaded with individual farmers to go beyond the state sponsored five hectares.

Government, he stated, would like to see small farmers mature into commercial farmers and ensure food security for the country. ENDS