In an exclusive interview with Mzansi’s minister of agriculture, Thoko Didiza, the Farmer’s Inside Track podcast explores shortcomings and goals identified by the ministerial task team on animal biosecurity.
The minister also speaks on why inadequate biosecurity measures have resulted in significant setbacks for cattle producers in Mzansi, and why a turnaround based on the reports from the ministerial task team is required.
She lists some of the major steps to mitigate the spread of animal diseases, including the role that government has to play.
“It’s important to really work with the farmers on the animal identification system, because that will enable us to know, track and trace easily where the disease has happened,” says Didiza.
She also unpacks animal biosecurity concerns in informal settlements and townships.
According to Didiza, handling facilities and dip tanks in especially communal areas require improvement. “We have seen that in some area this system has actually collapsed. We are working in the provinces to improve that infrastructure because it is necessary as a first defence in terms of managing animal diseases.”
The minister also touched on more accessible financing, and called for more patience from financial institutions.
The episode also features an inspiring story on Corteva Agriscience #Soilsista Tsholofelo Gaechose’s profound journey in agriculture. As previously reported on Food For Mzansi, she found healing in farming after leaving a corporate career in the insurance industry.
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