AGRICULTURE Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha, on Monday, distributed dairy stock to farmers as part of the Government of Guyana’s ongoing efforts to strengthen and expand the country’s dairy industry.
Some 19 farmers benefitted from the first phase of the initiative, according to a press release from the Ministry of Agriculture.
Minister Mustapha highlighted that over the past five years the government has made significant advancements across the livestock sector.
He urged farmers to move away from a “tunnel vision” approach, and instead adopt integrated production systems to maximise efficiency and sustainability.
Mustapha disclosed that more than $110 million has been expended to facilitate some 300 embryo transplants aimed at boosting dairy production and improving genetics nationwide.
The minister also informed farmers that the Demerara Distillers Limited is partnering with an international company to establish a modern dairy processing plant at Moblissa, noting that the facility is approximately 90 per cent complete.
“When we give you these animals and you continue breeding through the embryo transplant programme, you will be able to produce additional heifers for dairy production,” Minister Mustapha said.
In addition to the dairy stock, farmers also received seed stock and soilage to support improved feeding systems and sustainable production.