07 Oct 2025

The Ministry of Lands and Agriculture has dispelled reports claiming that the government has bought dairy cattle from Brazil, as misleading.

A press release from the ministry states that the country is not expecting any cattle, however, is interested if the opportunity arises. It further states that the news of the rumoured cattle being remnants of any prior government cattle purchases from either Australia or the United States of America (USA), as untrue.

The release recounted a question posed by, a member of the Dairy Goats Association of Botswana, in the context of the Milk Afric initiative of years past, during the Agricultural Pitso, held in Sebele this past Thursday to the Acting Minister, Mr Edwin Dikoloti, questioning what can be done to address the shortage of milk supplies in Botswana, seeing that the country is only able to meet 13 per cent of annual demand, which stands at 65 million liters.

The minister in response, advised that dairy production was a priority area for the ministry, more so that consideration was being given to meeting national needs. In the process, and based on recent international trade talks, a Brazilian bred cow,

called Girolando, which is a major milk producer had been mooted between the two countries, with the Brazilian private sector expressing an interest to supply Botswana, states the release.

It further stated that on the basis of expressed interest, and assuming that Batswana citizens (individuals and corporates) may or would be interested in importing the cattle, the Department of Veterinary Services (DVS) has gone ahead and started looking at facilitatory protocols.

It advised that if any entity wishes to import any such, the ministry will follow the necessary international protocols and facilitate as appropriate. The ministry highlighted its commitment to creating over 250 000 jobs during the National Development Plan (NDP) 12 period, within this sector. ENDS