By Adama Makasuba
Group of Gambian livestock breeders has promised their commitment to resolve itches of ram shortage in the country during Tobaski period – but said they still need faster growing breeding.
More than 70 per cent of livestock like sheep, goats and cattle are imported into the country from the neighbouring countries and it is causing huge loss of currency and job losses in the country.
But speaking at a press conference, Gam-Breeders Association’s President, Ebrima EJ Jallow said “We have come to the conclusion that to solve the problem of the Tobaski ram issue, we still need a faster growing breeding. We are pleased to inform everyone that the breeders in this country have found a solution to our problem.”
“It breaks our hearts seeing the amount of wealth that is continuously shipping into our neighbouring countries especially during Tobaski, this help creating jobs for their citizens and help strengthen their economy while depriving our citizens especially the youths the needed jobs and at the same time leaving us with weaker currency and economy,” he added.
“As believers of the national development plan – this and other issues prompted us to invest in small ruminant production to minimise importation of small ruminant while creating jobs for youths and women. Subsistence small ruminant farming is good but it can never take us out of all this we are in, regarding to the availability and sustainability of small ruminant in this country,” Mr Jallow added.
He advised the government and made it clear that the only way to solve our small ruminant problem especially rams for Tobaski in this industry is to make it conducive for the private sector to invest in the small ruminant industry.
He therefore called on private sector, NGOs and individuals to consider investing in small ruminant farming as it is a productive sector and a source income for youths.