The government plans to resuscitate the poultry industry after suffering from unfair competition for years.

The government also acknowledges that the industry collapsed largely due to monopolisation.

Responding to concerns raised by parastal staff under his ministry, the Assistant Minister of Trade and Industry, Mr Keletso Rakhudu also said the government was aware of the high input costs incured by farmers in the piggery industry, hence the government also intends to free the market.

Alluding to the collapse of BMC and the beef industry, Mr Rakhudu said the government was looking for alternative markets in Asia and Africa.

Furthermore, he said the government was in talks with Namibia to finalise an economic partnership agreement. The partnership is expected to expand market access as well as output.

He noted that the issue of the beef industry was complex, adding that the government was at the cross roads.

 “We are now wondering if the European Union is giving us the best market,”  he said, adding that the constant demands by the EU do not give value for money as they are also pressurised by farmers from Eastern Europe to buy their beef.

On other issues, the minister urged the Department of Cooperatives to target and engage youth and women, saying the two groups are easy to motivate.

“When you do that, you can kick start an industry,” he said.

Minister Rakhudu was addressing his ministry’s staff as well as those of Local Enterprise Authority,  Citizen Entrepreneurial Development Agency and the Department of Cooperatives on July 29 in Molepolole. BOPA