Dr Bashiru pushes for livestock keepers’ direct benefits from subsidised pasture seeds

MPWAPWA: THE Minister for Livestock and Fisheries, Dr Bashiru Kakurwa has stressed the importance of livestock keepers to directly benefit from government-subsidised pasture seeds while banning their sale for commercial purposes.

Speaking during a visit to the Tanzania Livestock Research Institute (TALIRI) Central Zone in Mpwapwa District, Dodoma Region, the minister ordered the ministry’s Permanent Secretary to issue new guidelines governing the sale of the seeds, saying the subsidised inputs should benefit livestock keepers rather than be used for commercial gain.

Dr Kakurwa also directed TALIRI to accelerate research into animal health, pasture and livestock breeds to position the institution as a regional centre for livestock breeding and embryo transfer technologies.

He further instructed the institute to prepare budget estimates based on the requirements for a laboratory to support the technologies, saying improved livestock breeds and research should translate into tangible gains for the sector.

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During the visit, TALIRI researcher Dr Kabuni Kabuni told the minister that the institute needs a modern laboratory for livestock breeding and embryo transfer, working in collaboration with the National Artificial Insemination Centre (NAIC).

He said the facility will help translate research findings into practical interventions to increase livestock productivity.

Mpwapwa District Commissioner Sophia Kizigo said education campaigns on pasture farming needs to reach livestock keepers at grassroots level to improve their understanding of the practice.

She said wider adoption of pasture farming could also help reduce land-use conflicts.

Deputy Permanent Secretary responsible for livestock, Dr Fabian Madele, pledged to work with experts to implement the minister’s directives and advance reforms in line with Tanzania’s Development Vision 2050.

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