22 Mar 2022

Preparations are ongoing for the re-opening of the Botswana Meat Commission (BMC) abattoir in Francistown, says Assistant Minister of Agricultural Development and Food Security, Mr Molebatsi Molebatsi.

Speaking after touring the commission recently, Mr Molebatsi said the ministry was aware of all the challenges facing BMC such as lack of resources and he applauded the eight laboratory workers for ensuring that the facility remained in operation.

He also said they needed to engage farmers in Francistown and the surrounding areas to ensure that the abattoir had adequate supply of quality cattle when it opens.

He said the ministry was under pressure to open all BMC abattoirs, including the Maun abattoir.

Mr Molebatsi also informed BMC staff and guests that they were already looking into employing a new chief executive officer by the end of the month.

Mr Molebatsi also said it would be a waste of funds if farmers could not supply the required quality and quantity of cattle for slaughter when the facility opens.

He said their ultimate goal was to see BMC going back to full slaughter capacity and normal operations.

The assistant minister also urged the commission to look for alternative sources of generating income, saying government was experiencing financial constraints to tend to every challenge.

 “Think outside the box and look at ways that the private sector can also be of use in bringing back this facility to create the much needed employment,” he added.

Joining theMinister Molebatsi’s tour at Impala Rural Training Centre, Minister of Tertiary Education, Research, Science and Technology, who is also Member ofParliament for Tati-East, Dr Douglas Letsholathebe said the centre had contributed to the growth of farmers and local produce.

He encouraged farmers to approach the centre with their production. “Research is needed to figure out how best to create an environment for livestock to flourish and to meet the requirements demanded when sold to BMC,” he said.

He further emphasised the need to invest in livestock for maximum productivity and educating farmers on tending to their animals.

Dr Letsholathebe also said the ban on some vegetable imports would benefit local farmers in the long term. ENDS