Moving forward, it is said that the highly anticipated Tsabong Multi-Species Abattoir, which is seen as a significant sub-sector to promote export diversification, will be commissioned in April 2023. However, according to the previous SONA 2021, it was anticipated to be finished in July 2022. Furthermore, the public has little access to information about its development, which is why some farmers are dubious about its likelihood of success.
Keep in mind that an Act to establish the Meat Industry Regulatory Authority (MIRA) will be established at the next session of Parliament that starts after SONA. The MIRA will be in charge of promoting the marketing of livestock and byproducts as well as overseeing a healthy level of competition in the meat sector by issuing licenses to abattoirs and managing animal traceability. Additionally, a center of excellence for cattle and small stock reproduction technologies will be established with the creation of the Ramatlabama National Artificial Insemination Laboratory under the Economic Recovery and Transformation Programme (ERTP). For semen processing, analysis, packing, labeling, storage, and embryo flushing, cutting-edge semen harvesting technologies will be used. This facility will not only encourage the local breeding of animals with superior genetics, but it will also improve our ability to compete in international markets by exporting superior genetics (semen and embryos) via digitalization. Additionally, it was mentioned in the message that the Ramatlabama Laboratory currently has 260 713 cattle semen straws available and aims to reach millions within the next two years. By carrying out this project, Botswana will continue to import 30 bulls and 30 females of high quality to meet its objective of 4.32 million semen straws per year in contrast to its present capacity of 40,000 by the conclusion of the current financial year in March 2023. Also, to increase our local dairy supply, the government plans to buy semen straws for both sexed female dairy cow and regular dairy cattle.
Subject to recurring evaluations, our nation will likely continue to export live cattle for the ensuing two years. Over 205 000 cattle have been sold to various neighboring countries since the start of this operation. The goal of this project was to help farmers who were experiencing cash flow issues as a result of COVID-19. Additionally, three private abattoirs have been given the authority to export beef and cattle by-products to foreign markets as part of the government’s efforts to revitalize the beef industry. Opportunities in the beef industry have increased as a result.
Since the most recent Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) outbreak in late August of this year, such occurrences have continued to endanger livestock farmers’ livelihoods, our economy, and their emotional stability. The most recent outbreak occurred in the North-East district (Zone 6b), and the government resolved to depopulate affected cattle, make up for stock losses, and pay affected farmers in order to lessen the pestilence. Namibia’s northern area, which borders the Ngamiland district of Botswana, is experiencing an outbreak of cow lung disease. Therefore, in order to reinforce reaction and control measures, the veterinary authorities of the two nations continue to maintain the fence, monitor disease trends, and coordinate joint patrols along the shared border. Botswana continues to witness outbreaks of disease variations, such as the Bovine Malignant Catarrhal Fever (Bolwetsi jwa Dikgokong) at Gasita Extension Area in the Southern District. Farmers are therefore urged to exercise caution.
The Botswana Vaccine Institute produces livestock vaccines of national importance by strictly adhering to international vaccine standards (OIE) and exports two thirds of all vaccines each year to more than 15 countries in Africa and the Middle East for use in their national annual disease control programs. Therefore, BVI plans to increase the capacity of its operations in order to enable product diversification through research and development. By increasing vaccine manufacturing from the present 20 million doses to over 50 million doses, this plant potentially diversify its product line and expand continental output of animal health products. Additionally, the Institute will conduct targeted research and development toward new products to supply the SADC region, East and West Africa, and other targeted markets by 2025 through its new organizational structure. This is an example of a knowledge-based economy.
Overall, the Reset Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the United Nations are in line with all of the legitimate arguments regarding the economic growth of our nation using agriculture as a tool.
