Nine farmers in the Navosa Province were given a breeding bull each from the Minister of Agriculture and Waterways, Honourable Vatimi Rayalu.

This is a successful follow up after a meeting was held with the farmers earlier this year at the Vatumali Government Station, where he promised them, that he would supply them with breeding bulls of the F1 Senepol Breed.

Speaking to the farmers at Botona Settlement in Keiyasi today, Hon. Rayalu said that government has big plans of revitalizing beef farming in Fiji.

“Senepol cattle are known for their adaptability to tropical climates and their high-quality meat. This initiative aims to enhance the genetic quality of the local cattle population which will in turn lead to improved meat quality, better disease resistance, and increased productivity, which are all crucial for revitalizing the beef industry in the Navosa Province,” said Hon. Rayalu.

“The Navosa Province was well known back in the days for beef farming and we had so many farmers that were raising beef cattle. Government through the Ministry of Agriculture and Waterways is trying to revive beef production in Navosa and we need you to work together and strengthen your cluster farms,” said Hon. Rayalu.

“The ministry is here to assist you and lift your level of farming but the onus is on each one of you to take the first step. You need to be strong willed and be dedicated farmers.”

“The ministry had purchased these breeds from Australia years ago and continue to carry out research as well as successful embryo transfers here in Fiji. We want to enhance and further develop beef farming and for that to happen, we need improved breeds,” added Hon. Rayalu.

“To the nine recipients, you can now increase your herd with the bulls that you have received today. Continue to grow your herd and work with our technical officers should you need guidance. Our team will continue to monitor your farms and assist you along the way,” added Hon. Rayalu.

The ministry has been assisting the Navosa livestock farmers over the years in terms of; stockyard material, nutrition improvement, fencing materials, and breeding stock.

Hon. Rayalu assured farmers that there are long-term plans to carry out a whole makeover of cattle breeds in Fiji and also the formation of cattle associations depending on the breeds that they have.

“You need to dream big if you want your farm to grow successfully. Continue to work in unity and listen to each other during your cluster and cooperative meetings.”

Tajim Khan, one of the recipients thanked the Coalition Government for their dedication and commitment in assisting farmers in the highlands of Navosa.

“I am so happy and grateful to the Ministry of Agriculture and Waterways for their commitment to a request that we had made a few months back. I would like to thank Hon. Rayalu for keeping his promise and I vow to increase my cattle farm in the coming years,” said Mr. Khan.

Another recipient, Ravuama Latilevu also thanked government especially the Ministry of Agriculture and Waterways.

A second generation beef farmer, Mr. Latilevu says that the supply of one breeding bull means the world to him as this will certainly assist his efforts of growing his beef farm.

“I currently have 60 cattle and I know that in the coming years, my numbers will certainly grow and the quality of my herd will truly improve with the introduction of the F1 Senepol breed,” said Mr. Latilevu.

The Navosa Livestock Cooperative is in operation with three clusters and currently, there are 196 registered beef farms in Navosa, with 34 operating as commercial farms, 36 operating at a semi-commercial level, and a total of 126 subsistence farms.

The ministry will carry out training and monitoring for farmers to ensure the successful integration of these new breeds.

The hope is that this will not only boost local beef production but also create economic opportunities for farmers and contribute to the overall development of the agricultural sector in Fiji.

ENDS

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