(CNN) Botswana should lift its four-year ban on big game hunting and also allow the canning of elephant meat for pet food, Cabinet ministers in the southern African nation have recommended.

Botswana, home to nearly 130,000 elephants, is one of the most popular tourist destinations for wildlife lovers who want to glimpse the animals. But tension over the elephant population has grown, with some arguing they damage crops.

An elephant splashes at sunset in the waters of the Chobe River in Botswana Chobe National Park.

Botswana President Mokgweetsi Masisi, who took office last year, had asked the committee to re-examine the hunting ban, which was introduced in 2014. The panel's suggestions now will be examined further, he said.

"I can promise you and the nation that we will consider it. A white paper will follow and it will be shared with the public," Masisi told the BBC Thursday.

"If needs be, we will give an opportunity to Parliament to also interrogate it and also allow them the space to intervene before we make a final determination," he said.