Farmers Decry Low Livestock Prices
Monday, March 30, 2015
During the media tour organised by Local Enterprises Authority (LEA) last week, farmers urged government to review livestock prices.
The major customer for small stock farmers is the government through the LIMID scheme in which a goat is priced at P750 per head. Farmers complained that the government has suppressed prices without considering the quality of animal breed.
Whilst celebrating milestones in inclusivity, with notably P5 billion awarded to vulnerable groups, the report sounds a 'siren' on a dangerous and growing trend: the ballooning use of micro-procurement. That this method, designed for small-scale, efficient purchases, now accounts for a staggering 25% (P8 billion) of total procurement value is not a sign of agility, but a 'red flag'. The PPRA’s warning is unequivocal and must be...