Livestock development being further pursued - Government’s focus on diversification heightening 

  Georgetown, GINA, September 18, 2007.

Development of the livestock industry forms an integral part of Government’s agricultural diversification thrust to create more social and economic opportunities, particularly for rural residents.
            In this regard, various activities have been pursued and several interventions made by Government to explore the potential that exists in this industry and to encourage further growth. These include importation of improved breeding stock and embryos, continuation of artificial insemination (AI), establishment of animal breeding farms and more pastures to cater for advancement of the livestock industry.
           Signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the National Agricultural Research Institute (NARI) and the University of Florida which took place today at the Ministry of Agriculture is another action that will support livestock development. The MOU was inked in the presence of Minister of Agriculture Robert Persaud by Director of NARI Dr. Oudho Homenauth and Joe Vendramini of the University of Florida.
           The initiative seeks to enhance research activities between the two institutions through which there will be exchange of academic and research information and selected assignment of personnel from Florida to Guyana. Additionally, specific projects will be developed targeting educational research, focusing on various areas including private sector development. The MOU will be in effect until June 30, 2017.
           Dr. Homenauth said NARI is aiming to benefit from improved technology that can be transferred to promote further development of the livestock sector. This is in keeping with the Institute’s strategic mandate of utilising advanced technology and transferring it to the farming population of Guyana.
          The agreement forms part of Government’s ongoing programme to encourage livestock growth through which various activities have been successfully undertaken. Earlier this year, 15 mixed-breed cows were imported from Florida for development of a breeding station for cattle at Liberty Island, Essequibo River.
            The breeding cows, Brangus, were imported by private cattle farmers with support from Government through the Ministry of Agriculture.  The breeding station at Liberty Island is being developed using private investments while the Ministry is providing quarantine services and conducting regular monitoring to ensure that the initiative is successful.
            In addition, improved breeding stocks of sheep and goats were imported through NARI and made available to farmers for further breeding purposes.  Government is pushing for a viable livestock sector and toward this end,  25 Boer goats were today made available to farmers countrywide to help improve the local breeding stock. Under these initiatives, the production of the ‘Black Belly’ sheep and Boer goat, among other breeds are being promoted because of the capability to adapt to Guyana’s climatic conditions.
            The livestock sector contributes an average of 2.2 percent to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and it  has been steadily expanding.

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