03 Feb 2013

The Assistant Minister of Agriculture, Mr Oreeditse Molebatsi says farmers in Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) infected and drought hit Zone 7 will be able to sell their cattle to Zimbabwe.

Addressing kgotla meetings in Semolale and Bobonong on January 31, Mr Molebatsi said only oxen would be sold at P8 per kilogram, adding they should weigh at least 400kg.

He said the Zimbabwean government has deposited P3 million in Botswana Meat Commission (BMC) accounts, with the wish to buy 700 to 800 cattle.

He said cattle would be bought at Sese Quarantine Camp between February 11 and 13, adding that farmers would be responsible for their transportation.

He noted that 10 or more cattle would require advance booking.

He further said each cattle sold would attract a P30 levy, and that farmers would receive their cash after five days. The assistant minister said since cattle in Zone 7 have not been inserted with boluses, farmers were urged to ensure their branding was visible.

 He said farmers should have their identity documents and brand registration certificates.

Farmers in Bobirwa have experienced double tragedy with  the outbreak of FMD which saw their area sealed from accessing international markets.

The area then experienced severe drought and a number of farmers lost their cattle. While the majority of the country has experienced heavy downpours, Bobonong received rainfall only recently.

Some farmers have welcomed the development, saying it provides an alternative to the South African market which only buys deboned beef.

 Mr Gabanthuse Madome said P8 per kilogram was small, saying the Zimbabweans were going to sell the meat at P20 per kilogram.

Mr Simon Mashaba said the amount was more than enough, saying they should appreciate the government’s efforts. ENDS