Botswana Meat Commission (BMC) owed farmers P2.4 million as at December 31, 2020. 

Assistant Minister of Agricultural Development and Food Security, Ms Beauty Manake explained  to Parliament that slaughter from January 4 to February 10, 2021 amounted to P1.3 million, bringing the total owed to P3.7 million.

She said BMC paid farmers P3.4 million during the same period, leaving a current balance of P350 438.60 which was less than 14 days old turnaround time for payment of farmers. 

Ms Manake said BMC had experienced a great improvement in achieving the turn-around payment period, considering the situation that prevailed in the last two years.

Ms Manake admitted that some farmers who had sold cattle to BMC had not yet been paid, noting that all those who had not been paid were however within 14 day payment period.

She said BMC was working very hard to ensure farmers were paid within 14 day payment period.

Tati West MP, Mr Simon Moabi had asked the minister if she was aware that some farmers who sold cattle to BMC had not yet received their payments. Ends