EU-Funded VALUE Project To Launch Piggery Artificial Insemination Station
The European Union (EU) funded Value Chain Alliance for Livestock Upgrading and Empowerment (VALUE) project will on Thursday, 21 October 2021, officially launch an artificial insemination (AI) Station at Braford Farm in Chegutu, Mashonaland West Province.
The AI station is one of two established by the project in Mashonaland East and West pig production corridors.
The AI station, which was set up at a cost of US$18,000.00 (purchase of equipment in South Africa US$14,500.00, freight and clearing $1,000.00 and construction $2,500.00) will facilitate easy and localised access to top quality pig genetics by small and medium pig producers in the production corridors.
It will thereby boost production and productivity in the province.
The VALUE project is part of an EU funded Zimbabwe Agricultural Growth Programme (ZAGP), a response to tackle challenges within the country’s livestock sector through financial support from the EU amounting to €40 million.
ZAGP seeks to contribute to the development of a diversified and efficient agriculture sector that promotes inclusive green economic growth.
Covering Zimbabwe’s 10 provinces, the programme is addressing the weaknesses and gaps in livestock value chains that have prevented the sector from increasing productivity,production, and incomes to their potential.
Focus is on increasing profitability, building the capacity of farmers, service institutions, and private sector through increased investment, institutional reforms, and policy alignment.
“The VALUE project is tackling system level constraints that have hampered the growth of small and medium pig producers from reaching their full potential and artificial insemination is a critical step in addressing production level challenges”, said Newton Chari, the VALUE Project Team Leader.
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