BOTSWANA MAINTAINS LIVE CATTLE EXPORT
Export of live cattle is expected to continue for the next two years. The initiative was meant to relieve farmers of cash-flow challenges occasioned by COVID-19.
Delivering the State of The Nation Address on Monday, President Mokgweetsi Masisi revealed that over 205 000 cattle have been sold to some neighbouring countries since inception of the initiative. “The export of live cattle is expected to continue for the next two years, subject to periodic reviews.” He said as part of Government efforts to revitalise the beef industry, three private abattoirs have been facilitated to export beef and beef by-products to international markets.
“This has increased opportunities in the beef sector.” However, he stated that the Foot and Mouth
Disease (FMD) outbreak incidences continue to threaten the livelihoods of farmers and cause immense emotional pain. “It also negatively impacts the economy of the country. Recently, the North-East district experienced an outbreak of the Disease in Zone 6b. To relieve the burden of loss on affected communities, Government made a decision to depopulate, restock and compensate affected farmers.” With a view to strengthening animal diseases management in the region, president Masisi said Botswana will host a regional conference on livestock diseases in February next year. The Conference will deliberate on livestock diseases and vaccine production with a view to come up with a coordinated sub-regional response strategy.