56-year-old livestock farmer Bhan Pratap was over the moon after his new goat shed was commissioned by the Assistant Minister for Agriculture, Tomasi Tunabuna.
Pratap says the absence of a proper shed had led to the death of 40 of his goats during TC Yasa in 2020, but now with a proper shed, he is positive of an improvement in livestock production in his farm.
While commending Pratap for continuing to pursue livestock farming despite the constraints, Tunabuna assured other farmers in Legalega, Macuata, of the Government’s commitment towards the sector.
Tunabuna highlighted that there was a need to have more livestock farmers in the country to meet local demands because close to 99 percent of goat and sheep meat consumed locally was imported.
He says they have a lot of respect for farmers who still continue with sheep and goat farming, knowing very well that there are a lot of constraints when it comes to raising livestock.
He adds that a lot of farmers cannot cope with stray dogs, and that is one of the intentions for the goat-shed assistance which is to decrease losses from dog attacks, and the other being for proper management of stock.
The new shed was constructed at a cost of $25,000, funded by the Ministry of Agriculture.
The Assistant Minister also handed a tractor to the Lagalaga Farmers Cooperative.
