Africa-Press – Eswatini. Cattle farmers in the country have every reason to celebrate.
This is because last year the country had not imported any fresh beef as farmers were able to meet the local demand and also had some to export to other countries such as Norway.
This was disclosed by the Director of Veterinary Services and Livestock Dr Xolani Dlamini. He said all the steak enjoyed throughout 2022 was local steak from local farmers’ cattle, abattoirs and butcheries. “In addition to meeting local demand, we exported about 400 metric tonnes to Norway,” the director stated.
The Minister of Agriculture Jabulani Mabuza has been working overtime encouraging livestock farmers to scale up production. The minister stated that government had always undertaken to foster development in communities by funding many developmental projects like feedlots and dipping tanks to name a few. He said this had grown to be known as regional development fund.
The minister acknowledged government efforts to tirelessly work towards the upliftment of living standards and alleviating poverty through his ministry. He pointed out that feedlot initiatives and innovations tied very well with the Livestock Development Policy which advocated for commercial livestock production, value addition, accessing local and export markets.
“It is the ministry mandate through the department of veterinary and livestock services to equip livestock producers with adequate knowledge, skills and technical expertise on the efficient management of all resources that will ensure profitable returns and an efficient and sustainable livestock industry,” Mabuza stated.
He explained that the thrust was to promote commercialisation of livestock production, to ensure food and nutrition security, poverty alleviation and improved living standards of the farming community in the country.
The minister said access to international beef markets had been maintained through effective foot and mouth disease control measures, as there were no FMD suspects observed.
For More News And Analysis About Eswatini Follow Africa-Press
