BNBPU PUSH FOR PERMANENT LIVE CATTLE EXPORT
The Botswana National Beef Producers Union (BNBPU) has proposed for a permanent implementation of live beef cattle export dispensation. The Union says this will allow competition within the local beef sector as well as bring stability to the troubled beef industry.
The proposal follows government’s decision to extend permission for farmers to sell their cattle in foreign markets by a further five months beyond July.
In an interview with The Midweek Sun this week, BNBPU Publicity Secretary Andrew Seeletso said implementation of live beef cattle export will give the troubled Botswana Meat Commission competition and entice investors to venture into beef cattle industry at the same time growing the sector.
He said the export arrangement went an extra-mile in reviving hope in the beef sector since farmers are now able to make profits and reinvest into the local economy.
Despite its positivity the export arrangement has led to severe low production at the Botswana Meat Commission (BMC) since many farmers now prefer outside markets, Seeletso observed.
“BMC is open and farmers are still able to supply. Other than that farmers are able to supply abattoirs, butcheries, food processors, feed lotters and to other breeders. “As for outside the Live Export dispensation enables farmers to sell to South Africa, Namibia and other places”, Seeletso said. He said if the Union is given a choice to negotiate its market without government they will certainly do so, but are currently hamstrung by the BMC Act which only allows BMC to export beef.
However with Live Exports the Union is currently in discussion with buyers in South Africa on behalf of farmers. “One might add that there are international organisations like USAID that are also willing to assist farmers to sell their products outside Botswana. “The Union’s position is to see the Beef Industry liberalised but under the authority of a Meat Regulator. Once this is in place, doors will be open for the Union and others to market beef products internationally”, Seeletso said.
He said the difference between local and international beef market is that the farmer is able to get a much better price internationally than locally.
“It is a good example that if the BMC was well functional under a regulated but liberalised environment, cattle can be a very big business to the benefit of the economy of our country”.
Meanwhile Botswana Meat Commission Chief Strategy Officer, Brian Dioka said BMC is currently handicapped to comment and would make its views on government policy using available official platforms.