19 May 2024

Minister of Agriculture, Mr Fidelis Molao says Zone 6b has been declared free from Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD).

Addressing a kgotla meeting in Tsamaya on Friday, Mr Molao said the disease broke out around August 2022 in Butale, which resulted in the depopulation of cattle in the zone.

Mr Molao noted that over 10 000 cattle in the zone were taken out and some transported to Maun to be slaughtered at the abattoir. 

He said an agreement was reached with individual farmers on payment methods, and that the ministry intended to start restocking the area with the exercise expected to be completed by the end of August.

He said the ministry intended to buy cattle from nearby villages as they would acclimatise and adapt easily in terms of grazing and the weather.

Mr Molao said over 7 000 cattle would be purchased for about 976 farmers and that the process would be completed by end of August. 

He noted farmers suggested that the restocking should start during the rainy season in October or November.

Mr Molao commended residents and farmers for their cooperation as they did not illegally relocate their cattle to green zones.

Regarding land that government bought from Tati company, Mr Molao said after government had received the papers for the land acquired consultations would be made on the land use.

On cross-border cattle theft, he advised farmers to form clusters and regiments as well as to join forces with Botswana Defence Force and Botswana Police Service, as well as to  benchmark  from Bobirwa

In response, Mr Mochive Butale wanted to know whether the livestock would be delivered according to the farmer’s choice as was promised during a kgotla meeting in Senyawe.

Mr Molao also advised farmers to consider training for artificial insemination through Thuo Letlotlo and to start businesses in their farms in order to assist other farmers in their area. ENDs