Ban on cattle sales to dampen Bulawayo agricultural show

17 Apr, 2016 - 00:04 0 Views
Ban on cattle sales to dampen Bulawayo agricultural show

The Sunday News

show-cattle-feeding

Senior Farming Reporter
THIS year’s Bulawayo Agriculture Show will be held on a low note due to the banning of cattle sales at the exhibition grounds after an outbreak of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) last year.

The show which is organised by the Bulawayo Agricultural Society (BAS) runs concurrently with the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair which, this year will held from 26-30 April.

Since the outbreak of Foot and Mouth disease in March last year, BAS’ fatstock pens have been put under quarantine in an effort to control the disease.

BAS administrative officer, Mrs Natalie Adlam said the embargo would have a significant impact on the show as well as the society’s efforts to generate income.

“This has had a serious financial effect on the society, as we have had little to no income. BAS has looked for other viable options and has been selling hay bales since October, which has only helped minimally. The lack of funds will definitely impact on the 2016 Show and, if the sales do not return in the very near future, possibly 2016 will be the last show done by the society. Despite these serious difficulties, BAS has committed itself to holding the best show that it possibly can, under the circumstances,” Mrs Adlam said.

Only a yarding of 91 fatstock head would be represented while there is likely to be no displays of sheep and goats.

“As for sheep and goats there is possibly no display as only animals from clean areas will be allowed and these would have to go for slaughter after the show, as the (Department) Veterinary Services does not want any further infection,” said Mrs Adlam.

Bulawayo provincial veterinary officer, Dr Ndumiso Mkhwananzi confirmed that livestock displays at the ZITF grounds would not be conducted as the area was still under quarantine.

“That area is still under quarantine and the fatstock that will be showcased there will be specifically from prominent farmers whom we have a traceable record with and these would have made special arrangements with BAS and had their cattle vaccinated and cleared by the Veterinary Services.

“The opening of CC Sales for public sales is until further notice. A lot of ground work has been covered to that effect and even the Deputy Minister (of Agriculture, Mechanisation and Irrigation Development, Paddy Zhanda responsible for livestock production) came and held meetings with farmers to enlighten them about this and other developments pertaining to FMD,” said Dr Mkhwananzi.

He said the department was working on further decentralising cattle sale pens so as to effectively control the spread of FMD and other diseases as well as to enable farmers to get value for their animals.

“We will continue to decentralise selling points or promoting cattle sales in respective areas as this will assist us in disease control and farmers also stand to benefit in terms of getting market value for their animals. If the farmer is not happy he or she can always take his or her animal home because they will be within the locality,” Dr Mkhwananzi said.

The drought which had an impact on the 2015/16 crop yield has also significantly affected the number of entries at this year’s crop section.

“The severe drought has curtailed the numbers expected, with a better showing from Matabeleland North over Matabeleland South. A total of four groups, 25 commercial and 1 084 individual entries have been received, with more small grains on display, as opposed to maize,” Mrs Adlam said.

However, poultry would be represented at this agricultural show by both communal and commercial farmers with 157 birds including quails being showcased with the extra display being that of rabbits.

The home industries section has received 735 entries while on the horses section, the committee would put a small horse show with displays from the dog section possibly from the Zimbabwe Republic Police’s Mounted Police.

“On the plus side, we have had more interest from potential sponsors, who will be showcased in our main arena, with their display of farming implements, tractors, vehicles, seed, and veterinary products among other farming inputs.

At least the BAS will look colourful and interesting, despite the lack of entries,” said Mrs Adlam.

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