April 18, 2013

Jamaica grants financial aid to increase local livestock 

Jamaica has strengthened efforts towards self-sufficiency in meat consumption, by granting a financial aid to the Diversification of the Caribbean Livestock through the Production of Small Ruminants project.

The project, being implemented by the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, aims to increase the availability of quality breeding stock at affordable prices; transfer/disseminate technology in the use of improved feed and feeding systems; and increase the production of small ruminant meat and ancillary products.

Till February 2013, residential training quarters and farm offices were refurbished, while improvements commenced on animal housing facilities.

Additionally, the Forage Research and Production Programme was expanded. Five rams and three bucks were procured.

Jamaica's targets for 2013 include the selection and procurement of breeding animals; training of trainers and livestock producers; establishment and maintenance of improved management system for feeding, housing and animal husbandry; refurbishing/upgrading of existing abattoir facilities; and demonstration/training in meat processing and by-product refinement.

The project is being implemented with financial support from the Common Fund for Commodities.