By Khulile Thwala
The Ministry of Agriculture has shared its continued success in promoting and supporting livestock value chains in the country.
According to Minister of Agriculture Jabulani Mabuza, a total of 11 cattle auction sales have been successfully held in various areas of the country and income generated for cattle producers.
This, the ministry has done to increase production to enhance food security and penetrate markets. During the same period, the consumption of locally produced beef increased, however, he did not quantify the value of the increase.
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He said this could be attributed to import bans on cloven and hooved animals and their products that were imposed as a precautionary and preventative measure.
“The country has continued to export beef and other livestock products to international markets and foreign exchange income was earned from these transactions,” said the minister.
He said a key intervention in this area for the upcoming financial year was the promotion and support for livestock value chains.
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“Our focus will be on increasing beef and goat production under the Livestock Value Chain Development Project, promoting and supporting piggery production, promoting and supporting poultry production and marketing, providing range and animal feed production services and management of government ranches,” highlighted the minister.
The animal health services will be provided under the current budget to ensure vigilance and efficient management of animal disease, including rehabilitation of the boundary cordon fences, according to Mabuza.
