Uplifting productivity in the Northern Division’s beef industry is something the Ministry of Agriculture is taking seriously as it works with cattle farmers.

This was evident when 16 beef cattle farmers were handed their offer letters of beef fencing kits by the Minister for Agriculture, Mahendra Reddy, in Labasa, yesterday.

Mr Reddy said they were supporting the largest number of livestock farmers during this financial year where cattle farmers would be supported to venture into medium and large scale commercial farming.

He assured successful cattle farmers that additional fencing materials would be provided to them along with progressively establishing stockyards.

The eligibility would depend on the farmer’s ability to properly manage and increase cattle count and meat production with the resources provided.

Mr Reddy said they had a strategic advantage in growing the beef industry was because of the strategic resources farmers already had at their disposal.

“Therefore, there is no reason why we should be importing livestock products from outside,” he said.

Mr Reddy highlighted how $11 million of foreign earnings were lost from the importation of beef meat to our country.

“We want good quality cattle to come to the abattoir because there are occasions when low-grade cattle were brought for slaughtering,” he said.

He said this was the reason why hotels were importing beef cuts from overseas.

Recipients appreciate assistance

Recipient, Moses Cecel Bull, appreciated the initiative taken by the ministry for farmers like him.

Mr Bull said the assistance would enable him to secure a portion of his land for cattle management where his livestock would be properly catered for in that paddock.

Another recipient, Isoa Rokobici, shared similar sentiments on the handover.

Mr Rokobici added that livestock farming was a beneficial income generator and this assistance would greatly contribute to increase his cattle count.

The fencing materials would be supplied in the next four weeks.