FMD threat: Lobatse grinds to a halt

Under siege: Movement of cattle and cattle products have been frozen in Zone 11, which covers the Lobatse abattoir
Under siege: Movement of cattle and cattle products have been frozen in Zone 11, which covers the Lobatse abattoir

The Department of Veterinary Services (DVS) suspended beef exports in Zone 11, as a preventative measure after the encroachment of buffalo. The Zone covers Lobatse, where the Botswana Meat Commission (BMC) premium export abattoir is located and as Mmegi Correspondent, TUMELO MOUWANE reports, the country’s oldest town has ground to a halt

Butcheries here are running on empty.  Many have resorted to selling chicken.  Some have given up and placed their fate in the hands of those at the centre of the issue.

In the space of a week, the country’s oldest town, whose economy relies heavily on the beef ranches surrounding it, is looking down the barrel of a gun.  With the suspension of cattle movements and beef exports due to the encroachment of buffalo elsewhere in Zone 11, Lobatse’s beef industry has been frozen.

Editor's Comment
Stakeholders must step up veggie supply

The Ministry of Agriculture, local producers, retailers, and industry associations must work together to overcome the obstacles hindering vegetable production and distribution.This collaborative approach is essential to improve the availability, quality, and affordability of vegetables in the market.Firstly, the Ministry of Agriculture should provide support and guidance to local farmers to enhance their productivity and efficiency. This could...

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