Livestock farmers to benefit from NAGRC&DB large-scale feed production

By Entebbe Post Reporter

To enhance livestock productivity, the National Animal Genetic Resources Centre and Data Bank (NAGRC&DB), an agency under the agriculture ministry on Thursday (October 31, 2024) launched the mechanized animal feed production initiative.

The launch was presided over by the state minister for animal industry, Lt. Col (Rtd) Bright Rwamirama at the NAGRC&DB Regional & National Gene Bank in Entebbe municipality.

On arrival, the minister was taken on a tour of the new machinery that included three agricultural tractors, six tipper trailers, three secondary disc harrows, three precision row planters, three long-range boom sprayers and three forage harvesters.

The launch of this machinery marks a significant step in supporting Uganda’s livestock farmers with high-quality, affordable, and locally-produced animal feeds to enhance livestock productivity.

For long, NAGRC&DB has spearheaded animal breeding and genetic resources management in the whole region.

Through the Community-Based Breeding Outreach Program (CBBOP), the agency provides improved breeding stock—including poultry, dairy and beef cattle, piglets, goats, and fish fingerlings—to support farmers across the country.

However, a recurring challenge for livestock farmers is maintaining consistent feed quality and availability, a problem intensified by climate change and Uganda’s variable rainfall patterns, animal nutrition is the highest cost driver in livestock farming, often accounting for up to 85% of production costs.

In August 2022, under the food and animal feed security program led by President Yoweri Museveni, NAGRC&DB was among the government agencies approved for large-scale feed production.

NAGRC&DB has since embarked on an ambitious journey to strengthen feed production capacity and reduce this burden for farmers.

Despite limitations in mechanization and irrigation, the agency successfully produced 51,692 metric tonnes of corn silage, 9,263 metric tonnes of corn grain, and 192 metric tonnes of soybean across its network of ranches.

Large scale productionWith the introduction of this new machinery, it will facilitate the large-scale production of critical feed ingredients, specifically maize and soybean, which will be used to produce compounded feeds at NAGRC&DB’s processing plants, particularly at Kasolwe stock farm, which operates at a capacity of 75 metric tonnes per day.

Produce enough feedsIn his remarks, Rwamirama he said they had acquired the machines which is good, but cautioned NAGRC&DB staff to revisit their core mandate and see how they can sustain and use the machines.

“These machines you have acquired are very expensive and we want to thank the President for his visionary ideas because now our farms are no longer redundant. We must make sure we produce enough feeds. We have the land, we have the machinery,” he said.

The new machinery and expanded feed production capacity will accelerate the rapid multiplication of animal seed stock, ensuring farmers can access improved breeds along with quality feed resources to sustain and scale their agro-enterprises.

This initiative aligns with the Government of Uganda’s strategic objectives to drive agricultural growth, create employment opportunities, and strengthen the rural economy.

According to Dr. Peter Beine, Executive Director of NAGRC&DB, with the machinery, they will massivlt produce feeds to meet the nutrition demands of “Our accelerated livestock breeding programs and support the livelihoods of livestock farmers across Uganda.”

“We are not only supplying improved breeding stock but also providing our farmers with the initial nutritional support they need to succeed. This program is a testament to our commitment to enhancing agricultural productivity and resilience in Uganda’s livestock sector.”