28 Jul 2013

Parliament has been told that the Ministry of Agriculture is implementing phase two of the transition from the bolus to ear tag identification system.

Answering a question in Parliament on July 25, the Assistant Minister of Agriculture, Mr Oreeditse Molebatsi said phase one involved application of analogue ear tag to all adult cattle carrying bolus. He explained that the bolus and ear tag numbers were then linked.

Minister Molebatsi said since some cattle were not carrying a bolus, they had to be inserted with a bolus and bolus number linked to the ear tag number. He said it was for this reason that additional boluses were being procured.

With regard to phase two, he noted that it would involve the purchasing of double ear tag (combo) and their application to young animals by farmers. Under this phase, farmers will buy and ear tag their animals.

MP for Shoshong, Mr Phillip Makgalemela had asked the minister if he was aware of tender number MOA DVS/PT 15 2013/2014 on the supply of Livestock Identification and Trace back System which opened on June 10, 2013 and closed on July 10, 2013.

He also wanted to know the justification for issuing a tender when his ministry is currently on the ear tag identification in his committee of supply speech and through various assurances to Parliament. ENDS