South Sudan’s animal wealth institution to establish rangelands
May 24, 2013 (JUBA) – The institution responsible for livestock sector in South Sudan has announced to identify and establish rangelands in an effort to develop the animal wealth potential in the country.
The region has over 30 million heads of cattle, sheep and goats but which currently do not contribute to the economic development of the new state, according to the ministry of animal resource and fisheries.
The majority of people use the animals for prestige and marriages while importing meat for food from the neighbouring countries.
The ministry on Friday presented proposed projects to the cabinet which will see the development of this sector, including reviving dairy farms in the region.
The ministry however said it could not succeed with the plan unless it has been provided with additional 30 million South Sudanese pounds and secure more funds through loans to implement the projects.
The information minister and spokesperson of the government, Barnaba Marial, has on Friday confirmed that the cabinet had approved the requested amount by the ministry.
In order to resolve the problem of collateral for loans from financial institutions, the ministry will have to identify, gazette and register rangelands in the ten states and make policy recommendations for the country.
It also wants to create windows in both the Agricultural Bank and the Cooperative Banks of South Sudan to ensure availability of loans for investment in the livestock sector.
The institution further asks donors to assist with the provision of collaterals or guarantees to the two banks to secure loans for investment in the sector.
(ST)