-high-tech animal health system to be developed
The Ministry of Agriculture is expanding pasture lands in regions two, three, four, five and six to address the problem of roaming cattle damaging crops while it outlined other steps it intends to take to boost the quality of local dairy products.
According to a Government Information Agency (GINA) press release Minister of Agriculture Robert Persaud made this announcement at the cattle exhibition and gymkhana hosted by the National Dairy Development Programme (NDDP) two Sundays ago, at the Rising Sun Turf Club, West Coast Berbice. This exhibition was one of several activities celebrating Agriculture Month and it incorporated the theme ‘Building a new agricultural sector along a low carbon path.’
Persaud said he was pleased that there is renewed interest in cattle from the beef and dairy industry and that the ministry plans to create a state-of-the-art animal health care system to ensure that the quality of products exported meet international standards. To this end, the minister noted that there have been genetic improvements and the placement of more technical staff serving communities where livestock cultivation is the focus. Generally, 12 veterinarians are sent into the field yearly.
Persaud said, too, upgrades are of primary importance in the agricultural sector and he confirmed that the NDDP will be re-branded the Guyana Livestock Development Authority with a mandate to develop a strong livestock sector that produces superior cattle, small ruminants, pigs and poultry. He said too government is committed to encouraging and developing agriculture in general, and livestock and cattle in particular and urged farmers to make changes that will enhance their productivity, especially in relation to animal husbandry practices.
GINA said Region Five Chairman Harrinarine Baldeo said the region has the most cattle in Guyana and it will continue to contribute to the country’s development. He said too the region is working vigorously to develop rice, cash crops and aquaculture.
Veterinarian, Dr Maxine Parris noted that farmers are important to the progress of food security in Guyana. Most significantly, she encouraged them to stay informed, noting that their counterparts in the Caribbean are keeping up with changes in international standards and requirements.
She also encouraged them to access information from the internet as the growth and prosperity of dairy and beef in Guyana is important to food security.
Meanwhile, Dr Dwight Waldron, Programme Director at the NDDP indicated that this first national cattle exhibition will be a yearly event which will be held countrywide. The judges were impressed with the quality of animals on display, noting that birth weights were high and the competition among farmers from different regions was keen. The event featured farmers showcasing cattle in categories ranging from best offspring and beef animal to dairy cow and replacement bull/heifer. Prizes were awarded by the NDDP.
