Ministry suspends livestock programme

MARANYANE NGWANAAMOTHO
Staff Writer | Thursday November 12, 2009 00:00

 

The Ministry of Agriculture announced that the suspension will last till a review of the programme is completed and resources mobilised to support it. The programme will be revived depending on the results of the review to be completed in three months. 

The ministry stated in a press release that farmers whose applications were approved in writing and fall within six months validity period will receive their packages. Farmers who had already paid their contributions in full will also have their packages delivered. The ministry said that those who provided services and resources like drilling and livestock will be paid.

The chairman of LIMID committee, Stanley Mosielele said the programme, which started in April 2007 assists small stock farmers with infrastructure and funds to manage their projects. 'We also help farmers with livestock management,' he said. He stated that they have received 9,934 applications so far and 8,774 have been approved but only 3,983 have been collected. 

Mosielele stressed that though some applications have been approved, farmers still have problems in continuing with their projects.  'Remember that this programme was invented for the poor, and they still struggle with the financial contribution that they have to make,' he said. 

He explained that the contribution depends on whether the applicant is an individual, a group, size of the group and the number of livestock.

 He said that many farmers complain that they struggle to find livestock and their expenses have shot up since suppliers have increased their prices. He said that they realised the programme is more expensive for individuals than groups depending on the number of members and livestock. 'Others complained about boreholes.  It is expensive to run and maintain one,' he said. 

Mosielele added that the ministry therefore found it necessary to suspend the programme to identify its successes and shortcomings.  He said that the programme will resume depending on the findings of the review.

He indicated that farmers, however, liked the programme since it helped many of them realise their dreams. The ministry hopes to complete the review in three months.