Farmers do not understand BMC mandate � Tombale
Lebogang Mosikare | Tuesday November 3, 2015 15:09
Speaking at BMC Francistown Baruakgomo Pitso on Friday, Tombale stated that he was saying so against the backdrop of systemic criticism of BMC from some of its stakeholders some of who do not hold any semblance of truth.
“…I am often compelled to do this against the backdrop of systematic criticism from many of our stakeholders that BMC ought to do more for the farmer to a point where it is becoming clear that more will or can never be enough,” said Tombale.
Tombale cited Section 4 (2) of BMC Act which reads: “The purpose of the commission is to purchase cattle and slaughter the same, and prepare and sell the products of such slaughtering or, if the commission sells on the cattle so purchased; in addition the commission may, in its discretion and with consent of the minister, promote schemes for the development and improvement of the livestock industry.”
He added that lack of proper understanding of the role of BMC was creating many discomforts between the BMC and farmers.
Tombale urged farmers to develop a symbiotic relationship with BMC, as they both need each other for their survival. He also dismissed suggestions that BMC buys cattle from farmers at low prices.
“We buy cattle at market competitive prices. Our prices are similar to South African prices,” said Tombale.
The chairperson of the Tati Farmers Association and executive committee member of the Botswana National Beef Producers Union (BNBPU), Andrew Seeletso, echoed Tombale’s words.
Seeletso said that farmers should not always blame government for their problems, but should also take the blame.
He added BMC is currently receiving few cattle from farmers, a factor he said does not bode well for farmers and BMC.
Seeletso also advised farmers to strive hard to overcome their challenges like poor record keeping, diseases, lack of proper farm management skills to mention but a few.
The chairperson of Hainaveld Farmers Association, Phillip Wright also shared Tombale’s sentiments.
Wright said some farmers are also to blame for the frequent Foot and Mouth (FMD) outbreaks in the country, but are quick to point fingers at government when the effects hit hard on their pockets.
Giving a testimony of consequences of reduced cattle supply to BMC (Maun farmers perspective), Wright said more often than not, some farmers are quick to blame government for the spread of FMD but forget that they also play a part in the spread of the disease.
“Recently over 1,000 stray cattle were found in Hainaveld, a place previously free from FMD.
One wonders how those cattle came to that place. Farmers should also help to fight the scourge of FMD instead of using underhand tactics to transfer cattle from FMD infected areas to FMD free areas,” said Wright.
Wright added that if farmers do not heed government’s advice of illegally transferring cattle from FMD infected areas to FMD free areas, they will feel the brunt of having no market to sell their cattle just like their Ngamiland counterparts.
He said it needs not be emphasised that cattle rearing sustains many families in the country therefore farmers should be at the forefront of jealously guarding their industry from collapse. During the suggestions and proposals session, some farmers decried the late payments by BMC.
In response, Tombale said nowadays BMC has committed itself to paying farmers after 14 days.