Government has distributed two varieties of pasture seeds, namely Brachiaria and Panicum maximum, to 19 livestock farmers in Lavushimanda District in Muchinga Province to promote pasture production and enhance livestock productivity. Speaking during a training session on…

Government has distributed two varieties of pasture seeds, namely Brachiaria and Panicum maximum, to 19 livestock farmers in Lavushimanda District in Muchinga Province to promote pasture production and enhance livestock productivity.

 Speaking during a training session on pasture establishment and management held at the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock offices, Lavushimanda District Livestock Production and Extension Officer Godfrey Singoyi said the two varieties are drought-tolerant and can last for up to 20 years.

 Mr Singoyi urged farmers to take keen interest in establishing and properly managing their pasture fields to ensure sustainable production.

He explained that the pasture varieties provide nutritious feed for livestock, including cattle, sheep, goats, chickens and pigs, throughout the year, particularly in the face of climate change.

Mr Singoyi said the pasture varieties are capable of withstanding changing climatic conditions, making them a reliable source of animal feed.

“We have emphasized that they need to take keen interest in looking after the fields for this pasture,” he said.

 He added that pasture production will also serve as a source of income for farmers, as those with surplus feed will be able to sell it to other livestock farmers.

Mr Singoyi noted that the initiative has presented an opportunity for farmers to produce enough pasture for their animals and generate additional income by selling the excess, especially as some parts of the country continue to experience poor rainfall due to El Niño conditions.

Meanwhile, livestock farmer from Spoon Village, Evans Mbulo, has thanked government for providing the pasture seeds, saying the initiative will help him establish pasture fields to benefit his animals.

Mr Mbulo said farmers have been experiencing challenges during the dry season because natural grass dries up, leaving livestock with inadequate feed.

 “What the government has done, we are thankful for helping us with these seeds. We will make sure to put them to good use so that our animals can benefit from the government programme,” he said.

He further encouraged fellow farmers to make proper use of the initiative and appreciate the benefits of establishing and maintaining pasture fields.