By: Patemoshela Lukolo and Nghiinomenwa-vali Erastus
The Etunda Feedlot will support the implementation of commodity-based Trade (CBT), a model that allows for meat exports from the NCAs without compromising animal disease controls, according to the updates from the Ministry of Agriculture, Water, and Land Reform.
The move is seen as particularly important in the northern areas where the dreaded Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) and Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD) remain a concern. As a result, northern farmers are mostly excluded from the lucrative beef market.
The official groundbreaking of the N$78.9 million public-private investment Etunda Feedlot was done last week and is set to process up to 1,000 cattle per day in the northern communal areas (NCAs).
In addition, the Etunda Feedlot is also expected to resolve structural gaps that have long excluded communal farmers in the NCA from fully participating in the livestock economy, especially for rural producers who cannot afford to raise animals till the slaughter stage and earn income from their farming.
Comments