Livestock farmers have been urged to embrace artificial insemination in order to improve local cattle breeds and boost milk production.

The Minister for Agriculture, Gerardine Mukeshimana made the call last week at an occasion to donate cows to Rulindo families in Kinihira sector under Gir’inka programme.

Fifty cows were donated to fifty families by Sorwathe, a tea factory in the district.

Addressing hundreds of residents, Minister Mukeshimana said despite efforts by the government and its partners to help more people own cows through the Gir’inka programme, milk production is still low to help fight malnutrition among children.

She said artificial insemination would help boost milk production as well as prevent disease transmission resulting from bulls.

"You have to understand the difference between natural and artificial insemination, artificial insemination ensures that your cattle are safe… as through natural insemination a bull can transmit diseases from one cow to another,” she said.

The minister also challenged farmers especially Gir’inka programme beneficiaries not to sell off the milk before their families have enough to consume.

"It is a pity that some of those who got cows sell off milk instead of consuming while others sell off the cows,” she said, adding that stringent measures await those selling off the donated cows.

"Those with cows should ensure their children and those of their neighbors drink milk regularly to fight malnutrition,” she added.

Gir’inka programme started in 2006 to help the vulnerable own cows and pass on heifers to other needy people to fight poverty and malnutrition.

Over 300,000 cows will have been distributed by 2017.

Sorwathe chief executive officer Rohith Pierre said the cows were distributed as part of the factory’s social corporate responsibility.

"Most of the donated cows are pregnant and are producing soon, families will have milk which is of great importance to children and adults. They will in addition have butter and cheese to fight malnutrition without forgetting fertilisers to boost agricultural productivity,” said Rohith.

He said farmers will be providing manure to use in tea plantation to produce more organic tea with high demand on international market.

Beneficiaries commended the factory for the donation, saying it would enhance their social economic growth.

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