| – 54 breeding rams distributed to farmersSignificant emphasis is being placed on expansion of the livestock sector, and one such is the provision of breeding animals.During the distribution exercise at the National Agricultural Institute (NARI) on Saturday last, Minister of Agriculture Robert Persaud said that the exercise is aimed at improving the genetics of the livestock sector.Guyana is considered as one of the few countries that is self-sufficient as it relates to livestock, and according to Minister Persaud, it is Government’s vision to assist the CARICOM region in dealing with its food insecurities and its reliance on imported livestock.“As part of our agriculture diversification strategy and part of our long-term plan, specifically for the livestock sector, we have put as a matter of priority, genetic improvement, and what you see here … is not the first, in fact quarterly we have such distribution exercises taking place at the different locations,” he said.Breeding Rams to be distributedHe noted that it is also to look at ways, in which support can be given to farmers countrywide, getting them up to flock size so that eventually Guyana can be a major exporter of meat.Minister Persaud emphasised that there has been an increase in the interest shown by livestock farmers in the area of agricultural diversification and positive development, and enhancement of agricultural practices.He said the breeding programmes are substantial investments made by the Government towards the support of farmers to allow them to grow and expand their agricultural activities.Investments over the years were aimed at ensuring affordability and to develop capabilities to become a major supplier within CARICOM.“Many of the CARICOM States today import livestock products from as far as New Zealand, some parts with Central America and even as far as Argentina but we believe in Guyana that if our farmers are well organised and given the necessary support and marketing and export systems, we can replace some of those suppliers in the Caribbean region, if we are given the opportunity,” the Agriculture Minister assured.Minister Persaud, while emphasising the need for farmers to practice proper animal health practices, appealed to them to report any Veterinary Officer who charges for service.“Any Vet from the Ministry of Agriculture who charges you for service, I’m not talking about medication, but service, you should report them because they are paid to offer you free service. We are one of the few countries that provide that type of service free and every region in our country is covered,” he said.To date, the Agriculture Ministry currently has 18 Veterinary Doctors who supply free services, with the exception of medication, and the Ministry is now working to expand this to 24.He said that if the country is to realise its vision of being a leading exporter to the Caribbean Region, there are steps that will have to be taken. These include genetic improvement, developing animal health care, enhancing diagnostic and slaughtering facilities and developing market facilities.Meanwhile, NARI’s Director, Dr. Oudo Homenauth encouraged farmers to practice proper feeding systems, deworming and utilising suitable pastures if they are to receive maximum benefit from their investments.“You need to be practicing integrated farming and to promoting good husbandry practices if farmers are to recognise the true potential of their livestock.”The programme is a collective effort by the Government of Guyana through NARI, the United Kingdom’s Department of International Development and the British Texel Society.The breeding programme commenced in 2007 and thus far, has seen the imputation of hybrid animals from Suriname and the United States. The animals’ offsprings were distributed to farmers in Regions Two, Three, Four, Five, Six, Seven and Ten. As part of this exercise, the Texel Embryo Programme was also launched by NARI and to date over 100 lambs were produced. |
