11 Dec 2013

Kgalagadi District Council and Ministry of Agriculture are conducting a feasibility study for small stock abattoir in an effort to diversify economy and find alternative markets for produce, council chairman Mr Frans van der Westhuizen has said.

When addressing councilors at the ongoing Kgalagadi district council meeting on December 10, Mr van der Westhuizen informed them that the feasibility study will determine the capacity of the abattoir. In the meantime, the Office of the Vice President is reportedly ‘busy trying to source funding for the project.’

Kgalagadi district farmers depend largely on smallstock for their survival as the latter is reportedly doing well in the district, hence the smallstock abattoir. On other agricultural issues, Mr van der Westhuizen reported that livestock mortality has increased tremendously.

“The situation is anticipated to worsen if early rains are not realised,” the chairman observed in reference to livestock mortality.

As a result, the chairman encouraged farmers to take advantage of the 50 per cent livestock feeds subsidy which has been extended to the whole country. The feeds, he said, will be sold through livestock centres and Botswana Agriculture Marketing Board. Mr van der Westhuizen warned that the arrangement was temporary until the situation subsides of which it will be reverted to 25 per cent in the rest of the country and 30 per cent in the foot and mouth prone areas.

On other livestock related issues the chairman informed the council that government has decided from November 1, 2013 that in Kgalagadi district farmers will be compensated at 100 per cent in cases where lions have caused damage to their property.

“There are however, terms and conditions that apply before such compensation would be honoured,” Mr van der Westhuizen warned. It is the terms and conditions phrase that rubbed some councilors the wrong way. Councilor Samuel Brooks advised that such terms and conditions be set out to curb a situation where it will depend on the discretion of a wildlife officer.

Councilor for Bokspits/Struizendam, Mr Frederik Titus argued that such an arrangement, despite the good benefits it has for the people, will be hampered by slow response of wildlife officers. “Officers have been citing shortage of transport as an excuse for failed speedy response and this is likely to fuel a conflict between farmers and the officers,” he said. 
Councilor Milton Moseru welcomed the 50 per cent subsidy and challenged LACs and BAMB to stock enough feeds for the farmers to benefit. ENDS