Farm crucial

GABORONE - The Minister of Agriculture, Mr Christian De Graaf, says he intends to implement the recommendations of the Botswana Economic Advisory Council (BEAC) that have been accepted by the government to turn Banyana Farm into a viable institution.
He said the government through the BEAC identified Banyana Farm as one of the entities that can make a significant impact to the beef sector if used to train farmers in commercial beef farming, supply breeding stock for improving the genetic base of the national herd and slaughter stock to the abattoir.
"In its current form Banyana Farm is failing to meet its intended purpose due to several factors that hinder efficient production," said the minister.
He said some of them are the dilapidated infrastructure in the form of old houses, worn out fences, farm equipment and even degraded rangelands that result in high overhead costs and only minimal profits.
Mr De Graaf said the farm is unable to keep up with maintenance requirements thus hindering the achievement of its full potential and optimal contribution to the beef industry.
He noted that as part of the restructuring strategy, "part of the farm (70 000hactures) is recommended for leasing to prospective investors while Banyana retains the other half for specialisation on stud breeding to produce registered and performance tested bulls for sale to the beef industry." The minister said the adequacy of one farm manager to effectively run the portion of the farm that will be kept for stud breeding will be determined after restructuring.
The MP for Kweneng East, Major General Moeng Pheto had asked the minister to state the measures he intends to undertake to turn Banyana Farm into a more viable industry which would help produce better quality cattle and add value in raising the cattle population in Botswana.
He also asked that given the size of the farm, which is bigger than the Kingdom of Swaziland, is one general manager adequate to effectively run the farm. BOPA