A modern veterinary laboratory will be constructed in Nyagatare district, Eastern Province, as part of Government’s plan to enhance, detect and respond to diseases that can affect the livestock sector.This was disclosed by the Deputy Director General of Rwanda Agriculture Board, Dr. Christine Kanyandekwe, while addressing farmers and local leaders.Dr. Kanyandekwe said the lab would help to ensure sustainable adequate quality service to farmers continues."The lab will be equipped with what it takes to detect diseases. Farmers will no longer gamble with animal treatment,” she said, noting that the cows will be given medicine appropriate to the disease, something we lacked.”According to Dr. Kanyandekwe, the process has been moving at a reasonable pace to develop and further modify the country’s animal health system to meet international standards."Lab equipment are in place and will be installed soon,” she said.Meanwhile, the mayor of Nyagatare district, Sabiti Atuhe applauded the Ministry of Agriculture’s support to farmers.Atuhe said the ministry had helped farmers to diversify and further provide value-added commodities for markets, adding that the process reduced dependency on one source of livelihood.He said promoting integrated farming systems would provide more employment opportunities, especially in rural areas."The lab will also allow for the certification for export. Our district hopes to become a major exporter of meat products to supply the demand internationally. Emphasis should be placed on genetics and improvements in breeds in the livestock sector.Samuel Karisa, a farmer in Karangazi sector said when opened, the laboratory would be of great importance to livelihoods of communities, which largely depends on cattle for income."Any scientific approach to modern farming close to farmers is vital. We are normally hit by diseases unknowingly. Foot and mouth, anthrax etc, have all killed our animals. Hopefully, with a lab, diseases will be detected too early,” he said.