| The Guyana Livestock Development Authority (GLDA) has been allotted $45 million for 2017 and growth in the Livestock sub-sector is projected at 2.5 percent in 2017.Minister of Agriculture, Noel HolderThis was disclosed by Minister of Agriculture Noel Holder during his presentation at the 2017 National Budget Debates held last week at the Public Buildings, Georgetown.PoultryThe Minister stated that Guyana is self-sufficient in poultry production, and in 2016, production increased by five percent over 2015 to 32,000,000 Kilogrammes (Kg). He anticipates that positive growth will continue in 2017.“As an integral part of its hinterland development programme, we have acquired Black Giant poultry with improved genetics from Brazil to be used to upgrade the local Creole bird population,” Holder said.According to media reports, this initiative will improve the nutritive base of hinterland residents, through the increased production of both meat and eggs. These birds have the ability to thrive on resources from within the communities and will, therefore, eliminate the need to have feed material shipped from the coast.Beef programmeA key developmental pillar of the local beef sub-sector is the introduction of animals of improved genetic material, through breeding bulls, semen and embryo transplants, the Minister said.He added that selected cattle farmers in several regions have benefited from GLDA’s bull rotation programme. This is augmented with the provision of breeding animals from its genetic enhancement programme, with most of the related activities being conducted at the Ebini, and Mon Repos Agricultural Stations.Dairy programme“It must be noted that milk was the top imported food in 2015, at a cost of US$27 Million. Over the last five years we have noticed a 55 percent increase in the volume of milk and milk products imported into this country. In 2015, imports were almost 10 million Kg,Cheap NFL Jerseys,” Holder said.The Minister stated that one time, Guyana had one of the most flourishing dairy industries in the Caribbean. Holder has assured the State that as the Minister of Agriculture,China Jerseys, we will try to ensure that this industry sees its glory days once more.“The industry is stymied due to the absence of adequate milk processing facilities. My government will see the construction of a modern milk processing plant, capable of not only producing fresh milk but also butter, cheese and other dairy commodities.”Holder stated that the Government will also coordinate milk collection by establishing cooling stations at strategic locations. It is anticipated that with these interventions along with the necessary technical support, the sector will grow by about 10 percent in 2017, while at the same time, contribute significantly to increased farm incomes.Duck Hatchery programmeThe Duck Hatchery programme continues to make a significant contribution to the advancement of the local duck industry, the Minister said.He added that duckling production in 2016 is projected at 266,Cheap NFL Jerseys China,000,Cheap Jerseys League, a 25 percent increase over 2015, and is expected to remain strong and positive in 2017 with a 50% growth.“With the current positive developmental trajectory of the industry,Cheap NFL Jerseys China, it is poised to break into the export market with the necessary administrative and technical support. This will have the knock-on effects in creating more jobs, facilitating product diversification and contributing to foreign exchange earnings and will, therefore, make a tangible contribution to our GDP (Gross Domestic Product).”Fisheries“Regarding the Fisheries sub-sector,Wholesale Hockey Jerseys China, over the years, we have established some fundamental building blocks. In 2016 we reaped the benefit by recording a positive growth of 11 percent. However, an increase in aquaculture will become necessary as a substitute for seafood, as we realize that the marine resources are becoming challenged. As such, there was more detailed planning, especially as it relates to aquaculture and small scale fisheries…we have seen over 20 new aquaculture farms come on stream,” the Minister stated.In addition, deep sea fishing has been introduced to Guyana and will be further encouraged as this is an area of Guyana’s Exclusive Economic Zone that is not exploited, the Minister said.Additionally, thus far in 2016, the marine sub-sector has recorded exports of 17,930 Metric tons or G$12.7 billion.In 2017, the promotion and development of a sustainable aquaculture and inland fisheries sector will be achieved through the maintenance of the indigenous stocks and the research and promotion of new marketable species at the Satyadeow Sawh Aquaculture Station.Holder said that the formation of the National Aquaculture Association will serve as a catalyst for the promotion and development of the subsector. Furthermore, progress with hinterland fishing will be propelled with the assignment of staff to the North Rupununi area to assist with the Arapaima Management Plan and to encourage aquaculture activities. |
