Communal farmers receive breeding stock

WINDHOEK – Minister of Agriculture, Water and Forestry Nickey Iyambo has warned communal farmers who received breeding livestock not to sell them to Meatco.

Dr Iyambo said beneficiaries should keep and use the animals for the purpose they are intended for, which is breeding. The Minister made the call at Omatjinene research station while handing over breeding animals to farmers from the Kunene region.The farmers received four bulls worth N$1 500 each, two goats valued at N$250 each and one Damara sheep worth N$500.The breeding animals were bought at subsidised prices through the Ministry’s programme called ‘Marketing of Livestock Breeding Materials to Communal Farmers.”The aim of the scheme is to assist communal farmers to improve the quality of their herds.Iyambo singled out a case of farmers from the North who received the breeding animals and immediately sold them to Meatco, while others slaughtered them with the sole purpose of selling the meat.”The animals you are receiving today have undergone thorough selection and they have the potential to make an impact on any herd,” he said.He then urged them to make good use of the animals, as they will help with the realisation of Vision 2030.”Remember that you have agreed through this agreement to keep the animals in your herd for a period of not less than two years.”Should it happen that the animals disappear without authorisation from Ministry’s officials, the Ministry will hold you accountable.”He also urged the farmers to employ good management practices in order to gain maximum benefits out of these animals.”One may have the best animal breed, but if it is managed wrongly, it will perform poorly,” he explained.He emphasised that the Government was making a lot of effort to initiate similar schemes, but without their co-operation, participation and hard work, the Government efforts would be in vain.-NampaThe Minister made the call at Omatjinene research station while handing over breeding animals to farmers from the Kunene region.The farmers received four bulls worth N$1 500 each, two goats valued at N$250 each and one Damara sheep worth N$500.The breeding animals were bought at subsidised prices through the Ministry’s programme called ‘Marketing of Livestock Breeding Materials to Communal Farmers.”The aim of the scheme is to assist communal farmers to improve the quality of their herds.Iyambo singled out a case of farmers from the North who received the breeding animals and immediately sold them to Meatco, while others slaughtered them with the sole purpose of selling the meat.”The animals you are receiving today have undergone thorough selection and they have the potential to make an impact on any herd,” he said.He then urged them to make good use of the animals, as they will help with the realisation of Vision 2030.”Remember that you have agreed through this agreement to keep the animals in your herd for a period of not less than two years.”Should it happen that the animals disappear without authorisation from Ministry’s officials, the Ministry will hold you accountable.”He also urged the farmers to employ good management practices in order to gain maximum benefits out of these animals.”One may have the best animal breed, but if it is managed wrongly, it will perform poorly,” he explained.He emphasised that the Government was making a lot of effort to initiate similar schemes, but without their co-operation, participation and hard work, the Government efforts would be in vain.-Nampa