College receives K50,000 to improve its livestock production

Business

THE Christian Leaders Training College in Jiwaka have received K50,000 from the Livestock Development Corporation (LDC) to enhance livestock production.
College principal Dr Maxon Mani said the Theological Education and Agricultural Technical institution had been depending on agricultural activities for its survival over the past 55 years.
“After 55 years, the first funding from the Government will help make some changes in the agricultural sector, especially livestock,” he said.
“About 80 per cent of the population live in the villages and depend on agriculture.
“The rise in unemployment can be addressed through agriculture.
“After many years of negligence, the Government is giving priority to the sector and is beginning to re-establish its assets throughout the country, a positive step to improve the quality of livestock.”
Dr Mani said the majority of the people in the country were unemployed and through such Government intervention programmes, unemployed youths could participate in agriculture work and improve their standard of living.
LDC representative Francis Tavutuna said: “We are doing our best to resurrect this declining industry and will be giving priority to existing smallholder cattle farmers and small livestock such as goats, sheep, pigs, rabbits, fishery and poultry projects in the country.
“Our biggest target is to improve the neglected and rundown six large ranches and three abattoirs – Tiaba Demonstration and Launakalana farms in Central; Zuguru and Bihute in Eastern Highlands, Erap in Morbe; and, Sagalau in Madang.”