Niël Terblanché
The awareness campaign for stock brands and the Namibia Livestock Identification and Traceability System (NamLITS) has exceeded expectations in updating livestock keeper information and stock brands on the relevant database.
Such an overwhelming response from farmers has led to the extension of the campaign by two months.
According to Ndiyakupi Nghituwamata, the Executive Director of the Ministry of Agriculture, Water, and Land Reform (MAWLR), the ministry, in collaboration with the Meat Board of Namibia, initiated the awareness campaign for stock brands and NamLITS on 17 July 2023, with an initial end date of 31 October 2023.
“Earlier this week, we realized that livestock farmers have been flocking to State Veterinary Offices and the Meat Board office across the country to update their stock brands. Due to this sudden surge, we believe that an extension until December 31, 2023, is necessary to accommodate all farmers,” she explained.
Nghituwamata again stressed the importance of having the correct documentation for updating stock brand and livestock keeper information.
She said farmers are required to provide the completed prescribed form, available at all points of verification and updates, along with a certified copy of their Identification Documents (ID) and a certified copy of their Stock Brand Card or Stock Brand Certificate.
“We would like to take this opportunity to extend our sincere appreciation to all stakeholders for their active participation and cooperation during the last four months of the awareness campaign, and we urge the remaining livestock farmers to make the most of this extended opportunity,” she added.
All State Veterinary Offices across the country and the Meat Board office in Windhoek will be available to assist farmers with the updating process.
Nghituwamata encouraged those farmers seeking more information to visit these offices for guidance.
The extension of the awareness campaign reflects the commitment of the Ministry of Agriculture, Water, and Land Reform and the Meat Board of Namibia to ensure that livestock records are accurate and up-to-date.
Nghituwamata said that in the end, the campaign will benefit both farmers and the broader agricultural industry.
