SARAWAK’S livestock industry has great potential for development because the state is free from Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD).
Minister of Modernisation of Agriculture, Native Land and Regional Development Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah said Sarawak has vast oil palm plantations that could be integrated with cattle and goat farming.
“With these advantages, my ministry through the Department of Veterinary Services Sarawak is targeting to increase the self- sufficiency level (SSL) for beef from the present 10 per cent to 15 per cent, and mutton from 15 per cent to 25 per cent.
“There is also great possibility for us to export our ruminant products to other countries,” he said when delivering his ministerial winding-up speech yesterday.
To achieve SSL targets, Uggah said the state government would utilise artificial insemination to increase the calving rate for cattle, buffaloes and goats.
He said Sarawak would also import heifers, bulls and goats from Australia and buffaloes from Sabah to increase breeding stocks. At present, the state has 5,500 buffaloes, 16,700 cattle and 14,700 goats.
“We will also improve and equip the Maragang Buffalo Station in Lawas with the latest facilities for farmers training, holding and supply of breeder buffaloes as well as to utilise digital technology (microchip) in herd health management and traceability,” he said.
Uggah added Sarawak plans to set up an animal auction centre for livestock to provide direct trading outlet for breeders and buyers especially during festive seasons.