23 Mar 2023

Farmers have been advised to look beyond selling cattle to Botswana Meat Commission and other abattoirs and to focus on developing more value chains from beef.

That would not only improve the quality of beef but would also create more employment opportunities for Batswana, says Assistant Minister of Agriculture, Mr Molebatsi Molebatsi.

  Addressing kgotla meetings in Thamaga and Kumakwane this week, Mr Molebatsi also encouraged farmers to vaccinate and spray livestock against tick borne diseases which he said diminished the value of cattle.

 Some Ngamiland farmers had lost livestock to such diseases, he pointed out.

Mr Molebatsi described livestock parasites as farmers‘ worst nightmare.

They slowed weight gain, lowered milk production, degraded the hide and had the potential to transmit diseases, he said adding that lack of external parasite control cost farmers millions.

Mr Molebatsi urged farmers to work closely with both public and private veterinarians in order to develop and implement an effective tick control strategy.

He also encouraged farmers to monitor their livestock and to ensure they were given proper care.

  Detailing government programmes aimed at improving the quality and quantity of the national herd, the assistant minister 200 000 straws of semen were purchased during the 2021/22 financial year.

He said the straws included 9 400 of Brahman, 300 Beef Master, 200 Black Angus, 100  Santa Getrudis, 1 200 Charolais and 1 000 Limousine.

Out of the total, 734 were sold, 404 to private farmers and 330 to static artificial insemination (AI) centres. 

Mr Molebatsi said during the 2022/23 breeding season, over 6 500 cattle were sent to AI camps compared to 4 350 the previous year.

He said the initiative would increase the national herd and improve cattle quality in line with the Vision 2036 pillar of prosperity for all.

On another issue, Mr Molebatsi informed his audience that the new agricultural programme, Temo Letlotlo, would commence in the 2023/24 ploughing season. 

He said the programme was expected to be more efficient and effective in producing grain beyond the national demand so that the excess could be exported. 

The programme would be fully automated allowing beneficiaries to register, lease land as well as apply online for grants and loans, he explained.

Government, Mr Molebatsi said,  planned to promote inclusivity in agriculture by building rain-fed production zones as well as providing a safe production environment. ENDS