26 May 2025

Ministry of Lands and Agriculture has called for synchronisation of agricultural activities and events across all districts to foster strategic alliances aimed at enhancing the development of the beef sector in Botswana.

The announcement was made during the Southern District Beef Farmers Association’s Field Day 2025 at Ngwadiroto Ranch on Saturday. Ms Seeng Manne, the acting deputy permanent secretary for arable farming in the ministry, emphasised the urgent need for cohesive coordination among beef farmers’ associations across different districts.

She stated that such alignment would enable the ministry to implement targeted interventions to serve farmers more effectively, rather than focusing unduly on a single association. Highlighting the detrimental effects of divided efforts, Ms Manne noted that collaboration was essential for advancing the agricultural sector and diversifying the economy.

She also acknowledged farmers’ concerns regarding undeveloped and underutilised ranches, promising adherence to their requests to improve food security. With the merger of the Ministry of Agriculture with the Ministry of Lands, she indicated that decisions could be expedited.

Referring to the theme of this year’s event, “Sustainable Beef Farming for Future; Innovation, Growth and Resilience,” Ms Manne commended Southern District Beef Farmers Association for their innovative approaches in cattle production. She encouraged farmers to prioritise bio-security measures to ensure farm success, emphasising the importance of preventing disease exposure that could jeopardise livestock and food safety.

Further, she stressed the necessity for resilience in farming practices, urging farmers to adopt best practices to mitigate the impact of natural disasters and comply with European Union market standards. Ms Manne called for strategic partnerships between the ministry and beef associations, as the sector played a vital role in stimulating the economy and creating job opportunities.

Addressing challenges such as bush encroachment, she noted initiatives in collaboration with the department of forestry to meet international buyer standards.

In his remarks, Mr Mosimanegape Mophuting, chairperson of Southern District Beef Farmers Association, urged un-associated farmers to join established associations to enhance their knowledge and resource access. He emphasised the importance of collective lobbying for support from the ministry, especially in light of the current economic challenges, and advocated viewing farming as a business.

Mr Mophuting expressed gratitude to Botswana Meat Commission (BMC) for their recent pricing strategies and encouraged farmers to register their cattle-posts to facilitate access to the European Union market. He addressed the issue of land use distortions, proposing that dedicated farmers be allocated designated ranches, particularly in light of underutilised government-owned ranches like Banyana-Molopo farms, to support the country’s goal of achieving food self-sufficiency.

The event, hosted by the member of parliament for Moshupa/Manyana Mr Karabo Gare, served as a platform for local farmers showcasing advancements in beef farming practices through workshops and expert-led demonstrations. Topics included sustainable grazing, herd management, and innovative breeding techniques.

Participants engaged in hands-on activities and explored new technologies and equipment aimed at improving farming productivity and efficiency. Networking opportunities also allowed farmers to exchange experiences and best practices, ultimately equipping them with valuable skills to enhance their operations and propel the industry forward. ENDS