LIMBANG: ‘Natad Kerbau’ aims to enhance the traditional method of breeding buffaloes in the state and thus help increase its population. According to Assistant Minister of Agriculture Dr Abdul Rahman Ismail, the system comprises a semi-intensive breeding programme across an eight-hectare land.
He said the government is providing a grant of RM50,000 to selected breeders for constructing the fences, the stable and an area to grow grass for between 25 and 50 head of buffaloes.
“Ten buffalo breeders have been selected for the ‘Natad Kerbau’, which serves as an effort to boost buffalo population in Sarawak from the current 5,000 to a minimum of 11,000 by 2030. It’s difficult to increase the population of buffaloes as they do not produce offspring as frequently as goats,” he told reporters here recently.
Additionally, Dr Abdul Rahman said the initiative was also aimed at preventing buffalo theft – a problem faced by livestock breeders in this district. Moreover, the Bukit Kota assemblyman encouraged buffalo breeders and dealers interested in joining the ‘Natad Kerbau’ system to register with the Veterinary Services Department.
“They should be able to know more about the system, including the requirements,” Dr Abdul Rahman added.