Botswana buys 95 heifers, 150 dairy goats from Australia
Lewanika Timothy | Tuesday May 14, 2024 12:33
The livestock is expected to touch down at Sir Seretse Khama International Airport on Tuesday. Addressing Batswana in the Diaspora here last week, Masisi said his government was keen on improving the state of agriculture in the country justifying a series of investments into agriculture through targeted flagship programmes like Thuo Letlotlo and Temo Thuo.
“On Tuesday 95 cows and 150 dairy goats will be landing from Australia. They will be arriving at Sir Seretse Khama International Airport,” he said. Masisi further said the government is eyeing to become the prime spot for purchasing genetic material in agricultural markets. “We want to be the place to go to for genetic material in the shortest time possible,' he said.
Last May, government spent P25 million in procuring 141 bulls and 21 heifers from Texas, as part of efforts to boost the genetics of local stock. Ministry of Agriculture, led by Minister Fidelis Molao, undertook a benchmarking trip to Australia between August 27 and September 10 where more elite cattle breed were identified for potential import. However, at the time, Molao said government would import straws of semen rather than physical animals, to lower the costs involved.