29 May 2017

Government wishes to see aspiring livestock farmers mature into commercial ones to improve the economy, create employment, produce quality meat and ensure food security for the country.

This was said by the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Mr Patrick Ralotsia, urging farmers to sell their livestock while still in good shape as that could fetch them good returns from Botswana Meat Commission (BMC).

The minister, who was at the Tlhaa-farms feedlot field day organised by Southern District Beef Farmers Association (SDBFA) on May 27, advised beef producers to take agriculture as a business, which they should take seriously.

The event was held under the theme: Evolving towards Beef Sector Commercialisation’ to which the minister said was relevant as it challenged farmers to change their farming methods and be innovative.

Mr Ralostsia urged beef producers to prepare their beasts prior to sale as such could help them get good prices zeroing in on the importance of feedlots towards quality beef cattle.

He encouraged beef producers to improve carcass weights through proper feeding regime and management.

He said his ministry had been identified as one of the sectors under Economic Stimulus Programme geared towards achieving economic growth, accelerated employment creation and promotion of economic diversification.

Mr Ralotsia said arable and livestock farming complemented each other, adding that practising them simultaneously reduced farming costs.

He lamented that Francistown abattoir failed to slaughter even half of the expected 380 daily quota.

To this end, he said there had been consultations with farmers to privatise the facilities because it was costly.

The ministry has since presented the proposal to cabinet and is awaiting its response.

On other issues, he expressed concern about soaring incidents of measle-infested meat at Botswana Meat Commission slaughter facilities; something he said compromised the quality of meat.

He urged farmers to take necessary precautions by securing clean pastures for their animals.

The SDBFA currently has 120 members and chairperson, Mr Boyce Mhutsiwa called upon other farmers to join the association in order to strengthen its voice.

Mr Mhutsiwa applauded other stakeholders such as Lobatse BMC, Techno fields, BAMB, Fair Price, Haskins, National Development Bank and some parastatals for their support.

 Lobatse BMC donated P10 000 while other stakeholders contributed P1 000 each. ENDS