THE performance of Fiji’s beef and dairy industry have been stagnant because of a range of factors, including traditional breeds of animals available and diseases like bovine tuberculosis and brucellosis.
To improve the state of the industry, an embryo transfer program has been initiated by the Agriculture Ministry in Sigatoka.
The program, which is being carried out at the ministry’s Nacocolevu Research Station in Sigatoka, now has embryo transfer technology which allows development of pure bred embryos under sterilised laboratory conditions.
Speaking at the launch of the Livestock Biotechnology Embryo Transfer program in Sigatoka on Tuesday, Agriculture Minister Dr Mahendra Reddy said the beef and dairy industry in Fiji began with the main purpose of providing for food security.
“For a long time now, Fiji is still a net importer of beef and dairy products from Australia and New Zealand to supplement our taste and preference for these commodities,” he said.
“For this reason, retail prices are closely linked to import prices.”
According to Dr Reddy, the Fiji 2020 Agriculture Sector Policy Agenda highlighted the introduction of modern farming technology, equipment and inputs, mechanisation, biotechnology and better farming practices.
“In identifying the lack of performances in Fiji’s dairy and beef industry because of poor genetics, the ministry has opted for embryo transfer which is a safer method of improving farmer’s herds rather than the normal practice of importation of cattle.”
