Government subsidises livestock feeds again

The raging drought forced government once again to subsidise livestock feeds
The raging drought forced government once again to subsidise livestock feeds

As drought continues to take a devastating toll on Botswana, government yesterday announced another increase on livestock feed subsidy from 25 percent to 50 percent to further cushion farmers.

The relief effects immediately until end of March next year.

According to a statement from the Ministry of Agriculture  (MoA), this was approved under the drought package, which includes the following products- di-calcium phosphate, drought pellets, bran, course salt, sorghum stalk bales, maize and dairy meal among others.  The announcement follows President Ian Khama’s June declaration that the whole country is drought-stricken and that relief measures will be implemented from period July 2015-June 2016.  Permanent secretary at MoA, Boipolelo Khumomatlhare, said that the initial drought intervention still stands. 

Editor's Comment
Don't let FMD outbreak drag on

Acting Agriculture Minister, Edwin Dikoloti, is right in saying opening an export-ready facility whilst Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) is still spreading would risk getting the whole country blacklisted before a single carcass leaves the door.A ban like that would break the already stressed nation. So, the postponement, painful as it is, is the right thing to do. The local economy is being squeezed from both ends. FMD has already slammed the door...

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