The Otjombinde Constituency Councilor, Wenzel Kavaka, has called upon farmer associations and cooperatives to coordinate when organizing auctions.

Kavaka was speaking at a consultative meeting on the allocation of auction days at Tallismanus in Omaheke Region.

Kavaka says delays in organizing livestock auctions affect the farming community's livelihoods and preparation as parents and guardians prepare for the return of children to school.

He also emphasized the importance of animal health protocols when organizing auctions.

Kavaka advised the associations and cooperatives to meet at the end of October and forward their request to the Directorate of Veterinary Offices to be allocated enough suitable days for the year.

"Whenever an auction is held, about $3 million will be circulating in the constituency, which is even good for local business. Farmers will also benefit, meaning that fighting will hamper development; we need to put our differences aside and look at ways to benefit farmers; we shouldn't fight over the commission, and so forth."

The Otjombinde Farmers Association was allocated 15 days, while each cooperative got three.

"To all stakeholders, I applaud you for your professionalism and commitment so that the disputes about marketing days have been resolved in a very amicable way and all are happy, so that's the way to go; let's develop our area."

The first livestock auction in the constituency is scheduled for January 12, 2023, at Tallismanus by the Otjombinde Farmers Association.