11 Jun 2024

President Masisi has followed through on the promise to restock cattle in Zone 6B, North East District, with an initial batch of 551 cattle being restocked yesterday. 

This comes in response to the Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) outbreak in September 2022, which resulted in the culling of cattle and the implementation of movement restrictions for cloven hoof animals.

Delivering a keynote address during the restocking event in Butale yesterday, President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi emphasised that t government had acted swiftly in delivering on its pledge to replenish the cattle in Zone 6B. He highlighted that a total of 10 219 cattle were culled from the area, with 7 981 earmarked for replacement for 976 farmers in various locations.

“We have delivered on the promise to restock your cattle just like I announced in Senyawe back in October 2022, and restocking in less than two years doesn’t happen anywhere else in the world but in Botswana,” said President Masisi. 

He pointed out that Botswana had adhered to all necessary protocols to prevent the spread of FMD and declared Zone 6B as an FMD-free zone in line with the World Organisation for Animal Health guidelines. Additionally, he said plans were in place to erect a sturdy fence along the Botswana-Zimbabwe border to prevent animal movement across borders.

While the government aimed to introduce Artificial Insemination to the restocked cattle, President Masisi said the plan had been postponed due to the current drought conditions to avoid wastage. 

The President said farmers receiving more than 30 cattle would receive a bull, and smaller-scale farmers were encouraged to form consortiums to qualify for a bull. He said part of the recently acquired land from Tati Company would  be designated for animal grazing.

Minister of Agriculture, Mr Fidelis Molao, highlighted that the restocked cattle, aged between 18 months and three years, were strong, healthy, and adaptable. He said efforts were underway to secure funds for installing effective fencing similar to that in Bobirwa to control livestock movement.

Minister Molao urged farmers to collaborate in monitoring the fence once installed to combat cross-border crimes. In addition, the minister encouraged tthem to explore programmes like Thuo Letlotlo to secure funding for essential resources like boreholes, kraals, and animal feed.

“I encourage farmers to unite and volunteer to patrol the fence once it is installed and assist government in fighting cross border vandalism and crime which would go a long way in fighting the spread of FMD,” said Minister Molao. 

For his part, Minister Education and Skills Development  also MP for Tati East, Dr Douglas Letsholathebe thanked government for the timely restocking of cattle in Zone 6B saying it had  been well-received by the community.

The MP urged farmers take  care of their cattle  to ensure the well-being and sustainability of the livestock population in the area.

He said the disease was well contained after the outbreak as residents adhered to regulations to restrict cattle across zones. Ends