FMD-affected farmers urged not to give up
Assistant Minister of Lands and Agriculture, Motsamai Motsamai, has urged farmers affected by Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) not to lose hope, saying the government remains committed to containing the disease and supporting the livestock sector.
Speaking in an interview with The Midweek Sun, Motsamai acknowledged the difficulties currently facing farmers, particularly those whose livelihoods depend heavily on cattle production. He said the impact of FMD has placed significant pressure on farmers, affecting their ability to sell livestock, move animals and generate income from their businesses.
Motsamai said the government was aware of the challenges facing farmers and was working to strengthen measures aimed at controlling the spread of the disease. He encouraged farmers to remain patient and cooperate with veterinary authorities as efforts to contain FMD continue.
He also advised farmers to consider diversifying their agricultural activities rather than relying solely on cattle farming, especially during periods when livestock production and trade are affected by disease-control measures.
According to Motsamai, farmers could explore alternative ventures such as poultry farming, which could provide another source of income while restrictions affecting the cattle industry remain in place.
He said diversification could help farmers reduce their dependence on a single farming activity and build greater resilience against unexpected challenges in the agricultural sector.
“Farming comes with challenges,” Motsamai said, encouraging farmers to look at other opportunities that could help them sustain their livelihoods during difficult periods.
He noted that agriculture remains an important part of the country’s economy and provides livelihoods for thousands of households. However, farmers must be prepared to adapt when circumstances change, particularly when dealing with livestock diseases such as FMD.
Motsamai further urged farmers not to abandon their agricultural activities because of the current difficulties. Instead, he encouraged them to explore ways of maintaining their livelihoods while the Government and relevant authorities continue implementing measures to control the disease.
The Assistant Minister said the fight against FMD requires cooperation between government, farmers and other stakeholders in the livestock industry.
Farmers, he said, have an important role to play by following veterinary advice, complying with movement restrictions and reporting suspected cases of the disease to the relevant authorities.
FMD has continued to cause serious challenges for the livestock sector, with affected farmers facing restrictions on the movement and marketing of cattle. For many farmers, the restrictions have created financial difficulties, particularly for those who depend on livestock sales as their main source of income.
Motsamai’s call for diversification comes as farmers continue to navigate the economic impact of the disease and measures introduced to prevent its further spread.
He said farmers should view the current situation as an opportunity to explore other areas of agriculture while continuing to work towards the recovery of the livestock sector.
He reiterated that the government would continue working with farmers and other stakeholders to address the FMD challenge, while urging farmers to remain resilient and look for alternative ways of sustaining their businesses until normal livestock activities can resume.