In a move aimed at modernizing the livestock industry, Minister of Agro-Industry and Food Security, Mr Mahen Kumar Seeruttun, distributed microchip scanners to around 100 livestock breeders at the Mauritius Cane Industry Authority (MCIA) in Réduit on Thursday 25 July 2024.
The initiative is part of the Ministry’s efforts to enhance the livestock industry by enabling breeders to identify and track the health of their animals, ensuring their safety and security. The move is expected to revolutionize the way breeders manage their livestock, allowing them to monitor and improve animal health, reduce disease transmission, and enhance overall productivity.
In his address, Minister Seeruttun emphasized the Ministry’s commitment to boosting the livestock industry, which has seen a decline in breeding over the years. “We are committed to supporting our breeders and ensuring the continuity of this vital sector,” he said. “We want to encourage more people to join the industry and contribute to the country’s food security.”
The Minister also highlighted the support measures being provided to breeders, including a grant of Rs 225,000 for importing animals, a grant of Rs 200,000 for constructing or upgrading sheds, an increase in the grant under the Pasture Development Scheme to Rs 25,000 per arpent, subsidies on animal feed from Rs 15 to Rs 20 per kilogramme, and write-off of long-standing loans over 20 years by the Development Bank of Mauritius.
Moreover, Minister Seeruttun announced that the Ministry is working on several projects to further support breeders, including the creation of a mobile app, the acquisition of two additional veterinary mobile clinics, and first-aid training programs for breeders. These initiatives aim to make Mauritius self-sufficient in terms of animal production, reduce reliance on imports, and boost local production.
The National Livestock Information System was launched on a pilot basis in 2018 with the aim of registering all breeders and their animals for easy access to information on animal purchase, sale, vaccination, treatment, and disease history. The system is expected to modernize the livestock industry and its services.
Receiving the microchip scanners were around 100 breeders who expressed their gratitude to Minister Seeruttun for his efforts in supporting their sector. They commended the Ministry’s initiatives aimed at improving their livelihoods and pledged to utilize the new technology effectively.
The distribution ceremony was attended by officials from the Ministry of Agro-Industry and Food Security, as well as representatives from the Mauritius Cane Industry Authority (MCIA).