THE IMPORTATION of live cattle from Ngamiland in Botswana into Zimbabwe has been suspended after the trading permit expired on January 31. SILAS NKALA STAFF REPORTER
According to Botswana’s The Voice newspaper, Zimbabwe had suspended all imports and the move has affected farmers in Ngamiland who had benefited as their beasts are banned from the European market due to foot and mouth disease that usually breaks out in the area.
A letter written to the Botswana Meat Commission (BMC) by the Zimbabwean authorities reads: “We have not been able to secure new permits because our Agriculture ministry is still carrying a review of these imports and impact on the local industry.”
There were no indications when the deal would be resuscitated.
BMC Maun branch manager Mothobi Mothobi told The Voice last week that the Zimbabwean permits had expired and had still not been renewed.
He said at the expiry of the deal, 300 cattle were in their kraals awaiting exportation to Zimbabwe.
“We had 300 cattle in our kraals, but we managed to ask for a special permit to sell some leaving us with 64 beasts,” he said.
He said the remaining head would be returned to BMC for slaughter. Mothobi said Zimbabwe was a better market for farmers because it demanded 500 cattle per week.
- Chamisa under fire over US$120K donation
- Mavhunga puts DeMbare into Chibuku quarterfinals
- Pension funds bet on Cabora Bassa oilfields
- Councils defy govt fire tender directive
Keep Reading
He said although the Zimbabwean market had been suspended, they would keep on helping farmers to source other alternatives.
Mothobi said 5 987 cattle from Ngamiland had been exported to Zimbabwe by the time the permit expired last month.
Twitter feedback @silasnkala
