The Veterinary and Livestock Division within the Ministry of Agriculture has embarked on a national registration exercise for livestock farmers.
The programme is aimed at creating a comprehensive database for all livestock farmers which will include their location and the type and number of animals they have.
One of the major benefits of the registration exercise will be the issuance of a farmer’s identification cards, which will allow them to access a number of benefits.
Veterinary Officer Dr. Nneka Hull-James underscored the importance of the registration exercise to include surveillance, traceability in the case of a disease outbreak and boosting the division’s ability to receive grant funding from international agencies.
“This way, they can trace what meat came from which farms, and went to which restaurant and they will be able to easily pin point the farm with the problem and resolve it.”
The livestock farmers` registration programme commences on Monday 17th August 2020 and ends on Thursday 17 September 2020.
It will be done in three (3) phases.
Phase one (1) will include identifying farmers and collecting both personal and agricultural data.
Phase two (2) comprises the verification of farmers during which veterinary officers will visit farms, verify what was written on the forms, assess the practices of farmers and the welfare of the animals, to determine whether or not the farmers are fit to receive the identification card.
Phase (3) is when the farmers will be issued with identification cards.
Dr. Hull-James emphasized the importance of this registration process and reminded farmers that it is illegal to produce commercially without being registered.
The registration will also put livestock farmers in a better position to produce even more and to expand, sustain and provide for themselves and the country.
The registration for livestock farmers has no limitations with regards to the number of animals one has.
According to the veterinary officer, if persons have more than two (2) cattle, horses or pigs, more than nine (9) small ruminants (sheep and goats), more than fourteen (14) ducks, turkeys or geese, they are considered small farmers.
Dr. Hull-James is urging livestock farmers to register as it would assist in making provisions for the expansion of meat production in Antigua with a view of becoming self-sufficient.
Registration forms are available at the Veterinary and Livestock Division building on Fort Road or on the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Barbuda Affairs` website.
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Any hope for a Bat to be registered? I need another identify.
Please keep that Identity, Duncy Bat.You have been identified by that name for many years now.There is not a need to change it now.LOL
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