Editor,

Refer to the story, "Farmers seek compensation in cattle deal” (The New Times, March 17).

Returning cows to the Ministry of Agriculture is not a wise solution; I would propose that the ministry monitors those animals from their breeding to their productivity to their feeding.

Cows produce much milk because they are well fed with a total mixed ratio rich in carbohydrates fibers and proteins. Unfortunately, it is not possible to get high milk yield by feeding them on poor forage like grass.

The case should serve as an eye opener to the Ministry of Agriculture. Cows don’t graze on grass and reeds only. Many Girinka project cows are not productive for the same reason. Despite claims by the farmers in question, it is better to look for a win-win solution, otherwise the government will lose money again while trying to rectify mistakes done by some officials.

Mucyo, Rwanda