26 Oct 2022

In an effort to eradicate Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) that broke out in north eastern Botswana two months ago, government has decided to increase farmers’ compensation  from the initial P2 480 to P3 000 per animal.

This follows the decision that all cattle within the affected area should be sold to abattoirs for local consumption.

President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi told a kgotla meeting in Senyawe yesterday that in addition, the bulk of the proceeds accrued from the sale of meat would be given back to the farmer.

“Government will only take money for the expenses that will be incurred to transport cattle from affected areas to the abattoir,” he said much to the delight of farmers who jammed Senyawe kgotla.

President Masisi said the decision to rid the area of cattle was primarily meant to maintain its green zone status and save the country’s cattle industry which had been brought to its knees by the long term effects of the disease.

President Masisi pleaded with farmers to continue cooperating with veterinary officials to avoid the spillage of the ailment to other zones.

That, he said, would spell disaster for the country’s cattle industry.

The President warned that any attempt to trek animals or move them to other zones would force government to rescind some of the decisions taken as more money would be needed to contain the disease.

Dr Masisi informed his audience that he continued to engage his Zimbabwean counterpart to devise ways of fighting FMD.

“I have engaged with President Emerson Mnangagwa of Zimbabwe on this matter and other issues of concern including cross border crime that has been a thorny issues to farmers in Botswana,” he said, adding that there was a lot of improvement.

The two countries have established joint committees to fight against FMD and cross-border crime.

To extend pastures in the area, President Masisi said government would continue to dialogue with freehold farm owners with a view to purchase land from them.

Meanwhile President Masisi has commended Mr Benson Samson of Butale village for reporting the first case of FMD to veterinary officials.

That, he said, had assisted in containment of the disease.

Earlier, Kgosi James Sebele of Senyawe had complained about shortage of farming land which he ascribed to the many freehold farms sandwiching the North East District.

Speaking on behalf of the VDC, Mr Daniel Moipolai said a lasting solution to prevent the recurrence of FMD had to be found.

Mr Moipolai expressed happiness at government’s decision to ban importation of some vegetables saying the move would help the country attain food security. ENDS