DMMU donates feedstock to Chililabombwe farmers

CHILILABOMBWE small scale livestock farmers have been boosted with a donation of stock feed courtesy of the Disaster Management and Mitigation Unit (DMMU).

The donation is meant to enhance the feeding of various livestock in view of the challenges posed by the corona virus (COVID-19) and the dry spell experienced during the current rain season.

Speaking during the handover of the maize bran, Chililabombwe District Commissioner, Precious Njekwa reiterated government’s resolve to support the growth of small scale farmers to improve their livelihoods.

Ms Njekwa said the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock had requested for stock feed for animals through the office of the DMMU National Coordinator and the Copperbelt Permanent Secretary hence the release of the consignment.

She hailed government for the quick response as the gesture would go a long way in realizing food security at house hold level for the small scale livestock farmers despite the challenges posed by the COVD-19 and the dry spell this rain season.

The District Commissioner urged the farmers to put the donated animal feed to good use to ensure they increase production and take advantage of the ready market in the neighbouring Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to earn an income.

And District Livestock and Fisheries Coordinator, Joshua Bwembya thanked the DMMU for the donation which would benefit small scale livestock farmers in various cooperatives and youth clubs who have been empowered with livestock.

Dr Bwembya urged the farmers not to sale the donated feed stock but to put it to good use in accordance with the guidelines as government is keen to see positive results after this investment.

He also intimated that government would soon commence the vaccination of livestock against Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) to avert the spread of diseases among livestock in the district to enhance production.

Meanwhile, a small scale livestock farmers’ representative, Breaker Mumba commended government through the DMMU for the quick response in providing them with stock feed which would enhance their production.

Mr Mumba said, with the reopening of schools, the gesture would enable them reserve their maize produce for consumption unlike a situation where they fed their livestock with maize  while the sales realized from livestock would enable them purchase school requisites for their children.

And DMMU Copperbelt regional Coordinator George Akalemwa said his organization had embarked on distribution of feed stock in all the districts in the province as the effects of the COVID-19 and the dry spells have not spared the livestock farmers.

He expressed gratitude to the Republican President, the Vice President and the DMMU National Coordinator for facilitating the donation of feed stock to small scale livestock farmers.

The small scale livestock farmers in Chililabombwe have been empowered with livestock comprising cattle, pigs, goats, chickens and rabbits courtesy of government through the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock with support from international cooperating partners.-ZANIS