KAMPALA, Uganda — The National Animal Genetic Resources Centre and Data Bank (NAGRC&DB) has commissioned heavy-duty animal feed production machinery to support its livestock breeding programs, aiming to boost Uganda’s agricultural sector.
NAGRC, an agency under the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry, and Fisheries, has been providing high-quality breeding stock to farmers through its Community-Based Breeding Outreach Program (CBBOP). However, farmers often struggle to meet the nutritional requirements of these improved breeds.
“Animal nutrition accounts for up to 85% of production costs for livestock farmers,” said NAGRC’s Executive Director.
In 2022, NAGRC began large-scale animal feed production under President Yoweri Museveni’s food and animal feed security program. The agency produced 51,692 metric tons of corn silage, 9,263 metric tons of corn grain, and 192 metric tons of soybean.
With the new machinery, NAGRC aims to intensify animal seed multiplication efforts. The equipment includes heavy-duty tractors, tipper trailers, disc harrows, precision row planters, and forage harvesters.
“This machinery will enable large-scale production of critical animal feed ingredients, supporting our accelerated livestock breeding programs,” said the agency’s agricultural engineer.
NAGRC plans to provide subsidized feeds to farmers, including compounded poultry, piggery, and dairy cattle feeds, corn silage, and hay.
The agency aims to annually distribute six million day-old chicks, 100,000 piglets, 2,000 dairy cattle crosses, 2,000 beef cattle crosses, 8,000 meat goat crosses, and ten million fish fingerlings.
This development is expected to enhance Uganda’s livestock industry, supporting farmers and promoting food security.
