Transforming Agriculture through Diversification Entrepreneurship (Trade) programme has rehabilitated dip tanks in Chitipa, Karonga and Rumphi districts to ease access to primary animal healthcare services.
Speaking on Saturday during a media tour to appreciate the programme’s initiatives, Trade programme knowledge management and communication specialist Oscar Ulili said limited access to primary animal healthcare puts animals at risk of contracting diseases.
He said to address the challenge, the programme rehabilitated dip tanks for beef farmers in the three districts.
Said Ulili. “Trade programme recommends that farmers take their animals to dip tanks to prevent diseases caused by external parasites.
“Diseases such as red water, heart water and gall sickness cause loss in production and even death. Dip tanks have a role to play in ensuring that animals are given the optimum amount of care and treatment that is beneficial to their health. Controlling animal diseases is the only sure way that the country can break into the export zones for both dairy and beef products.”
Chisenga Extension Planning Area assistant veterinary officer Joseph Kaonga said the initiative is crucial for livestock health and management.
He said farmers in Chitipa District will use the facilities to protect their animals from diseases, thereby improving production.
“Repairing dip tanks will help address the challenges farmers in the district have been experiencing on beef production as this will ensure that the district is producing enough beef for consumption,” he said.
Chitipa, Karonga and Rumphi are among districts in the Northern Region where farmers raise cattle for beef.
Trade programme is hosted under the Ministry of Local Government, Culture and Unity with support from International Fund for Agricultural Development and Opec Fund for International Development
