The Department of Agriculture, Environmental Affairs and Rural Development will be launching its animal healthcare programme in the Ekuvukeni area of Muden on 26 March 2011. Earlier this year, the Cabinet approved the Livestock Programme which is aimed at improving livestock production for subsistence and commercial purposes. This initiative will bolster livestock production and assist with the primary health care of livestock within KwaZulu-Natal.
KwaZulu-Natal has an area of 9.44 million hectares of land which 82 percent is suitable for livestock production. Of this area, only 4.5 million hectares lends itself mainly to livestock production and due to potential should be used for grazing purposes only. As the department has a responsibility to ensure optimal land use, it has now come up with this intervention to unlock the potential that this province has.
The launch comes after wide consultation with livestock farmers across the province on improving animal husbandry practises. A lot of challenges raging from structural problems, facilities and financial constraints were raised by farmers during consultations with MEC Johnson. The launch will be marked by the handover of 6 rehabilitated dip tanks, to local farmers in the area.
The event will kick start with activities such as dipping, dehorning and branding of animals at a dip tank.
Details of the event are as follows:
Date: 26 March 2011 (Saturday)
Venue: Msamo Sports Ground Muden
Time: 10h00
Media transport will leave from the playhouse at 07h00 sharp, please confirm your attendance.
Your presence will be highly appreciated.
Enquiries:
Ncumisa Mafunda
Tel: 033 343 8063
Cell: 079 515 7187
