By Abdulkarim Ssengendo
Over 40 community-based artificial insemination technicians from mainly Kumi and Kyegegwa districts have completed a two-week training in different aspects of animal artificial insemination.
The training, which was conducted at Ruhengyere Field Station in Kiruhura district, was organised by the National Animal Genetic Resource Centre & Data Bank (NAGRC&DB) in partnership with the local government ministry.
Dr Siragi Luwagu, the course co-ordinator, said the technicians who were trained will be tasked with improving the genetic quality of the animals in their communities, hence giving farmers an opportunity to make more money from farming.
The technicians were trained in theological information about breeding. They also looked critically at the main application of the theoretical information, which involved pregnancy diagnosis, cauterisation and routine artificial insemination procedure.
They were given certificates after completing the training. Anthony Namara, the commissioner of LEG project of the local government ministry, presided over the ceremony, which was also attended by different government officials and farmers.
Outlining ways in which the artificial insemination technique can drive local economic development, Namara said this is an area that deserves much focus as it enables farmers to access superior genetics that can significantly enhance quality and productivity of the livestock.
He said the low productivity of milk and poor quality of meat in the country was due to the quality of genetics of animals used for breeding.
The technique will help to create genetically superior livestock with more milk and meat, he added.
Namara said the technique will also help farmers to overcome geographical barriers and limitations, and open up a world of possibilities.
He encouraged farmers to tap into the genetic potential of renowned animals from distant regions and countries.
“There are some types of breeds which can produce up to 60 litres per day,” Namara said.
Animal population
Namara also said the technology will help to improve the local animal population and bolster productivity, hence ensuring that farmers remain competitive in the market. It will also promote sustainability and conservation efforts in rural communities.
Namara, however, said certain challenges must be addressed by investing in adequate education programmes to equip farmers in areas of mindset change.
Dr Peter Beine, the executive director of NAGRC&DB, warned the trainees who will be involved in unethical behaviour that their certificates will be withdrawn.
He said plans are underway to elevate the course to diploma level as they strive to improve genetics in the national herd to have the most appropriate breeds.
Beine explained that the trained technicians will be based at local governments to help farmers improve productivity.
Assumpta Tindimwebwa, the technical advisor project support team at the local government ministry, told the technicians not to deviate from helping farmers and cautioned them against over charging them.
David Siriri from Millenium Promise Alliance said if the technology is embraced by all farmers, it will increase productivity.
He said in Uganda, the four million head of cattle produce slightly two million tonnes of milk a year, which is far low compared to the 15 million tonnes of milk produced by the Netherlands, who only have 1.5 million head of cattle.
Siriri said the Netherlands embraced artificial insemination technology many years ago and challenged Ugandans to follow suit.
Artificial insemination involves deliberate introduction of semen from carefully selected male animals into the reproductive tract of female animals by passing the need of natural mating.
Its technology has received significant attention and appreciation due to its remarkable benefits.
What others say
Dr Hamid Rutaro of Africa Market Development, who is also the technical manager at URUS, challenged the technicians to help farmers get better breeds, more especially in the dry season where farmers get a lot of challenges of managing and minimising the heat stress.
He advised farmers to have shades and fans to keep the animals cool as a way of handling the heat stress.
District leaders and trainees hailed the course organisers and funders, saying it is going to improve breeds in the country. They called for the need to sensitise farmers on what inseminators are supposed to do for them.
