DRDAR MEC XOLILE NQATHA LAUNCHES ANIMAL TRACEABILITY PROGRAMME

EASTERN Cape MEC for Rural Development and Agrarian Reform (DRDAR) Xolile Nqatha recently launched the animal traceability programme which is set to revolutionarise livestock farming in rural areas.

The programme which was launched in Mdeni Village in Qumbu helps farmers to track the history of the animals in the value chain and also helps curb rampant stock theft in the area and the rest of the province once rolled out.

The programme is implemented in partnership with the University of Fort Hare and is aimed at fighting the rampant stock theft in the province that is hampering livestock production.

“We want rural farmers who are currently not rearing their livestock to make profits but are eager to own big numbers that to start to treat their livestock as a means of making income hence we are giving them quality bulls and heifers. This traceability venture, which we are implementing with the University of Fort Hare, will assist farmers to easily identify their livestock and be able to track their health status,” MEC Nqatha said.

He said the traceability programme would also assist the department in identifying the precise location of animals when disease breakout.

The tag will contain the name of the owner, contact details, its health history including vaccinations and its location. According to statistics released by Minister of Police Bheki Cele, in Qumbu alone, more than 470 cases were reported in the past financial year with 248 of those reported in Sulenkama.

Through the e-tags, which were inserted on individual animals, the department with the university will be able to trace the whereabouts of the livestock as well as health history.

"The programme of livestock improvement is helping us a great deal, we can actually see the good quality from the calves we have received from these bulls," Makaula said.

UFH Nguni Development Trust Vuyani Somyo said: “The device will monitor the health status of the cattle in order to comply with export markets. Traceability is an international requirement in terms of food safety.” He said the University was committed to working with the farmers and DRDAR in ensuring that the quality of livestock in rural areas is improved. Mzimkhulu Jikijela from Tsilitwa who also represents the Mdeni Feedlot in Qumbu, where the event was held applauded the department’s livestock development programme “because now we see good quality in our livestock.”

He also lauded the installation of e-tags saying it would curb stock theft. “The installation of e-tags in our livestock is encouraging us to get into the commercialisation programme without fear of stock theft. We appreciate and thank the help of the for giving us the bulls that is improving our livestock,” he added. A jubilant Dumile Makaula from Mdeni village whose four pregnant heifers and five rams were stolen said: “the entire Qumbu area is infested with livestock thieves.”

“I am glad that the department with the University of Fort Hare is helping us with this technology because other people have sold their livestock because of theft. “The programme of livestock improvement is helping us a great deal, we can actually see the good quality from the calves we have received from these bulls,” Makaula said. As part of its commercialising programme DRDAR has also established feedlots in various districts where livestock producers fatten their animals for markets.

MEC Nqatha also used the event to urge livestock farmers across the province to apply for animal identification in line with the Animal Identification Act of 2002 where a farmer is required to fill forms and pay R163 for his or her own unique identification.

These forms are available at DRDAR animal health and production units at the local offices and DRDAR is able to assist farmers with branding once the registration is completed.

The animal identification programme will be piloted in 13 villages and 15 farms across the province.