Livestock industry needs more boost

THERE is potential for development and improvement of the livestock industry but it needs cooperation at all levels.
There are emerging opportunities and with that comes many challenges.
Department of Agriculture and Livestock Dr Vele Pat Ila’ava made the remarks when officially opening a livestock workshop in Port Moresby last week.
The livestock industry makes significant contribution to the economy however the level of production has not improved while and the country’s population has also increased.
This places more demand on livestock products such as chicken, beef, pork and others.
There is land available for cattle but more concerted effort is needed, besides developing other livestock activities.
Ila’ava said the O’Neill Government was now looking at revamping the livestock industry and cattle breeding programme may be given some boost.
The Livestock Development Corporation has not been funded in recent years but this may change and its work will be supported.
He said the government emphasis is on promoting exports and enhancing downstream processing of agricultural products.
Ila’ava said that the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) which conducted the workshop on “enhancing reproduction and improving productivity of livestock in PNG” was a good example of international agencies that could be utilized in supporting livestock development in PNG.
Many other similar organisations including Codex, United Nations, etc, can be approached to come in and provide technical advisory services and assist in capacity building in PNG’s livestock industry.
He urged agricultural workers, scientists, technical officers, extension advisors and others, to change their mindset, and starting thinking about innovative ways to help improve the livestock industry.
He said all stakeholders must combine their efforts and work together and utilise new knowledge and information to improve livestock activities.
A total of 26 participants from the government, private sector, institutions, non-government and livestock industry participated in the two-day workshop.
Mohammed Shamsuddin, IAEA Consultant on Animal Livestock/Reproduction and Breeding, who is based in Vienna, Austria, facilitated the workshop.
He also travelled to the East New Britain to inspect livestock programmes and met livestock officials.