20 Dec 2020

Botswana Development Corporation (BDC) has embarked on identifying the technical partner for the implementation of Milk Afric Project with negotiations scheduled to be concluded in March 2021.

This was said by the Assistant Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry Mr Molebatsi Molebatsi who told Parliament that BDC had planned to start sourcing cows in March 2021 upon conclusion of negotiations with the technical partner and start producing milk in June 2021.

Mr Molebatsi said BDC had in the past tried to source cows but the process was hampered mainly by Foot and Mouth Disease. 

He said the development of the milking parlor, offices, staff changing rooms and showers, housing facility for up to 400 cows, manure handling facility, loading ramp and kraal had been completed and full occupation permit was issued in September 2020. 

The Minister further said the farm had the potential to accommodate 2 000 cows at full capacity, and this was anticipated to be achieved within 24 months from date of first milking. 

Mr Molebatsi further highlighted that no profits had been realised yet as the farm had not commenced operation. 

He further explained that to date BDC had invested P45 million which had been used for development of infrastructure and acquisition of the rotary while no funds have been reimbursed yet since operations have not yet commenced. 

Serowe South MP, Mr Leepetswe Lesedi had asked the minister to update the house on the implementation of Milk Afric Project and the number of cows that were milked at the dairy farm. He also wanted to know the profit realised by the dairy farm to date, as well as the amount injected by BDC for the project to commence and the amount reimbursed to BDC. ends