18 Sep 2024

In recognition of the importance of the livestock industry to Batswana and the economy, President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi says government has come up with robust initiatives to revamp and transform the sector.

Officiating at the first Botswana Livestock Breeders conference in Gaborone on September 18, President Masisi said the initiatives were meant for the good of the livestock industry, and that they provided an enabling and conducive environment to support the development of the livestock sub-sector.

He noted the presence of key players in livestock development, breeders, agricultural enterprises and other stakeholders who attended the inaugural conference.

President Masisi emphasised the importance of animal breeding as a cornerstone of livestock development, adding that the conference came at an opportune time when the country was striving to proliferate the national herd and improve its genetic pool.

He applauded the organisers for the initiative, saying it was a welcome development led by the private sector.

On the theme: Breeding for Sustainability Through Innovation, Technology and Transformed Management practices, President Masisi said it was relevant as it focused on how to address challenges faced such as the declining livestock herd and the need to improve the genetic merit of the animals.

President Masisi said with the relevant knowledge and skill regarding effective practices in animal husbandry, farmers could maximise infusing technology and innovation in their breeding endeavours. 

He said optimal reproduction was of importance for the success of any livestock enterprise, and that it was influenced by factors such as the environment, genetics and management of one’s herd.

He added that the environment dictated the type of production system, breeding season, genetic material and management regime, which involved feeding, housing and vaccinations. 

“This imperatives are a must do for every farmer,” said President Masisi.

He also said adhering to key factors of livestock production would promote sustainable livestock breeding through innovation, technology and transformed animal husbandry practices.

He noted that for optimal reproduction performance, government was resuscitating livestock multiplication farms across the country.

However, he said any development in livestock production must take into account solutions that would address current environment, climate and market challenges faced by the sub-sector.

He said the Lobu Small Stock Farm, Mmadinare Fish Hatchery, Sebele Piggery Multiplication Centre, Kang Poultry Hatchery and Dibete Ostrich Multiplication Unit were established to produce superior breeds to the farming community, but said it was unfortunate that the facilities were underutilised. 

He urged the farming community to utilise the facilities and increase production and  satisfy the local market and export markets.

President Masisi noted the refurbishment and upgrading of the Ramatlabama artificial insemination laboratory into a centre of excellence. He said the centre was producing high quality semen and would produce best quality embryos for the local and export market.

On other issues, President Masisi said the Thuo Letlotlo programme was intended for the commercial development of farmers.

He applauded the livestock farming community for supporting his initiative of donating bulls, rams and bucks to individual farmers with the view to increase production.

He noted that over 110 bulls, 87 bucks and 68 rams had already been distributed to farmers across the country. Ends