By Matsobane Manaka and Tshifiwa Muifa
Minister for Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development, Thoko Didiza
Minister for Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD)Thoko Didiza accompanied by MEC responsible for Limpopo Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (LDARD) Nandi Ndalane hosted Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) management and market access Imbizo at Hlomela village.
The purpose sought to promote the disease management in the protected zone and surrounding areas plagued by the re-occurrence of FMD outbreak.
Minister urged livestock stakeholders and community of Hlomela village and surrounding areas to work hands in glove with government towards the construction of feedlots and abattoir. A move welcomed by the industry players who believe the initiative will protect and increase their market.
Lukas Eksteen from Red Meat Producer Organisation said, “what we need is the feedlot and abattoir in this area to give these farmers market access, market related prices, a place where our producers can sell and slaughter their products. This will be an incentive to sell here”.
Eksteen continues that according to experts the off-take of cattle alone in this area is roughly 40 000 herds a year.
The uphill battle of FMD outbreak at certain parts of Limpopo, particularly in areas within Kruger National Park border, prompted Didiza to recently impose the countrywide ban on the movement of cloven hoof animals, including clamping down on illegal movement of animals, to curb the spread of FMD.
However, the Minister lifted the countrywide ban after 21 days – the decision to further contain the spread of FMD and re-opening of the economy into beef market. The cattle industry welcomes the Minister’s decisions.
She expressed satisfaction over the LDARD’s concerted efforts for putting control measures in place by exercising the vaccination, surveillance, and follow-up operations to strengthen the tide against the FMD.
