FMD threatens to snuff out BMC revival

Addressing legislators whilst delivering the 2026–2027 Budget Speech yesterday, Gaolathe revealed that BMC had cleared P698 million in arrears and registered a 31% increase in revenue to P1.04 billion on a ‘year-on-year’ basis. Gaolathe, who is also the Vice President, did not provide details on the total arrears BMC had or has, or the financial reporting periods he was alluding to.

“The commission is undergoing a far‑reaching turnaround that is revitalising the beef value chain and restoring confidence among farmers,” he said. According to both the acting director of Veterinary Services, Kobedi Segale and acting Lands and Agriculture minister, Edwin Dikoloti, the virus currently raging through the North-East mostly likely first entered the country during the festive season.From the “unprecedented” number of cases picked in testing last week, it is likely that cattle and other livestock could have been infected last year, without being reported.Animal health…