The Botswana Meat Commission (BMC) this week started buying cattle under the newly introduced Direct Cattle Purchase (DCP) scheme for Ngamiland farmers, popularly known as the ‘Live Buy’ initiative with the first batch of 50 cattle supplied by prominent farmer, Killer Ledimo.
According to BMC, the Live Buy initiative is designed to facilitate direct livestock purchases from farmers, ensuring convenience, inclusivity, timely payments, while fostering growth within the cattle industry.
As compared to the Cold Dress Mass (CDM) model, BMC directly purchase cattle from farmers at approved collection points, offering a live weight rate of P16.00/kg. The initiative also offers timely payments as farmers are now paid within 3 days after selling their cattle to BMC.
Unbanked farmers are also paid immediately through the newly introduced efficient paying system known as the FNB Botswana eWallet Pro card.
The DCP initiative will be officially launched by the Acting Minister of Lands and Agriculture, Dr Edwin Dikoloti in Makalamabedi on Monday next week.
On Tuesday, Ledimo become the first farmer to benefit from the newly introduced scheme, selling 20 herd of the total 50 he will be trading with the BMC.
Present to witness the process for himself at the Makalamabedi Quarantine Kraals, the well-known farmer was filled with joy as his cattle hit the scale for an almost immediate payment
In an interview, Ledimo shared on the positives that come with the Live Buy initiative and also recalled the burdens farmers bore under the Cold Dress Mass (CDM) model.
Among them, Ledimo appreciated that farmers will no longer bear the financial burdens that came with the self-quarantine system as well as the late payments they have been experiencing. Under the self- quarantine system, he shared frustrations which includes transportation and feeding costs for both the cattle and their keepers.
He also recalled the prolonged days the cattle can be kept under quarantine further putting a financial strain on farmers and delays to get paid.
Ledimo added that with the Cold Dress Mass (CDM) model, BMC also suffered inadequate supply of cattle for slaughter as many farmers to their disadvantage opted for other quicker in processing but cheaper buyers.
Ledimo was elated that farmers would still have the option to either sell their cattle as live weight (P16/kg) or through the CDM model at the price of P38/kg. This as there are those who are against the P16 per kilogram live weight price offered by the BMC and are proposing for a higher price.
BMC says farmers who undertake self-quarantine will be compensated at P38.00/kg (CDM weight), which includes a P3.00 incentive above the standard slaughter price.
In a press release this week, the commission stressed that this strategic initiative is designed to bring convenience, transparency, and fair pricing to farmers, starting with a pilot phase at the Makalamabedi Quarantine.
“Farmers in the Ngamiland area are encouraged to attend in large numbers to learn more about how they can benefit from this scheme. This initiative reflects BMC’s unwavering commitment to supporting all farmers and driving sustainable growth in Botswana’s beef industry,” said Mmabasotho Tibe, Acting CEO of BMC.
