The agriculture sector is losing millions of dollars due to food and mouth disease operational costs.

The agriculture sector has lost about N$118 million in operational costs due to the outbreak of the foot-and-mouth disease (FMD).

The President of the Namibian Agricultural Union, Thinus Pretorius, explained that the losses only include about 26 million sheep and six million goats, earmarked for export purposes.

In addition, about 52,000 jobs are at stake with an estimated 200,000 dependents.

It is against this backdrop that the Managing Director of Bank Windhoek, James Chapman, encouraged farmers to make the necessary arrangements with the bank to reduce pressure and financial implications emanating from the Foot and Mouth Disease.

He was speaking at the Agricultural Series Talks hosted by Bank Windhoek, held under the theme "Safeguarding herds and sustaining livelihoods" in Windhoek.

Chief Veteranian at the Ministry of Agriculture, Water, Fisheries and Land Reform, Dr Kennedy Shoombe, also reminded the attendees of the repercussions of smuggling animals and animal products.

They were speaking at the Agricultural Series Talks hosted by Bank Windhoek held under the theme "Safeguarding herds and sustaining livelihoods".