The Ministry of Agriculture and Waterways is now in the process of extending dairy production in the Northern Division.

This week officers from the Animal Health & Production Division based in the Central and Northern Divisions are currently carrying out a ground survey from Nabouwalu to Seaqaqa.

The objective of this survey is to identify potential farmers and areas where this new dairy farming initiative could be implemented.

The Ministry is now developing the sector, both in the West and North to address the demand for other products that are obtained from milk, including cheese, yogurt, Paneer and Ghee.

The response has been overwhelming so far since the survey started on Monday 2nd December with the majority expressing interest and support for the Ministry's new intervention in the North.

Senior Agriculture Officer (Livestock), Mr Samuela Musuvanua says that they intend to concentrate mostly on the value adding of milk for paneer and ghee.

“Following our first day of survey, we had discovered farmers who were already producing such products. Therefore, Seaqaqa and Dreketi will be the primary locations where we plan to pilot out this new initiative,” said Mr. Musuvanua.

Ragni Swami of Solove Sector in Seaqaqa has been a sugarcane farmer all her life but has been consistent with cattle and goat farming.

“I have 72 hectares of land whereby 40 hectares is dedicated solely to sugarcane farming. I am very keen to convert the rest of my land to pasture and paddock for my livestock. I know that through concerted efforts, I will be able to add value to the current daily milk production of five litres,” she explained.

She produces ghee from her current milk production as well as paneer which is sold to her neighbours and relatives.

Ms. Swami adds that this will be a great incentive for farmers in the North and thanked the Ministry for including smallholder farmers like herself in the initial ground survey.

ENDS

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