By Mulengera Reporters
The National Animal Genetic Resources Centre and Databank (NAGRC&DB) has concluded a 20-day training programme for 50 Artificial Insemination (AI) technicians under the Green Dairy Investment Programme (GDI), in a move aimed at strengthening access to improved breeding services for dairy farmers.
The training was conducted by NAGRC&DB under the GDI, which is implemented by Heifer International Uganda in partnership with aBi Development Finance Ltd.
The programme is designed to increase the availability of skilled AI service providers who can support farmers to access improved genetics and better breeding services, ultimately contributing to increased dairy productivity.
Artificial insemination is among the key interventions under the GDI, alongside efforts to improve access to quality animal genetics and promote climate-smart dairy production.
With the completion of the training, the 50 technicians are expected to provide specialized breeding services to dairy farmers, helping them improve the genetic quality and productivity of their herds.
The initiative comes amid efforts to strengthen Uganda’s dairy sector by supporting smallholder farmers to adopt technologies and practices that can improve productivity while increasing resilience to climate-related challenges.
The Green Dairy Investment Programme targets 37,000 smallholder dairy farmers and focuses on a range of interventions intended to improve the efficiency and sustainability of dairy production.
In addition to improved breeding and genetics, the programme promotes better animal feed systems, renewable energy, animal health and water management.
The programme’s focus on breeding is expected to help farmers access animals with desirable traits, potentially improving milk production and herd performance when combined with appropriate feeding, animal health and management practices.
NAGRC&DB’s role in training AI technicians is therefore intended to address the availability of qualified personnel capable of delivering these services at farm level.
Heifer International, through its partnership with aBi Development Finance, is implementing GDI as part of efforts to support smallholder dairy farmers and strengthen climate-resilient agricultural value chains.
The training also highlights the importance of developing a skilled workforce alongside investment in improved livestock genetics.
As the newly trained technicians begin providing services to farmers, the programme expects improved access to artificial insemination and other breeding services to contribute to more productive and climate-resilient dairy enterprises.
The GDI interventions are intended to support farmers beyond breeding, with the programme taking an integrated approach that combines genetics, feed, animal health, water management and renewable energy to improve the sustainability of Uganda’s dairy sector. (For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at mulengeranews@gmail.com).
