SMALL-scale goat farmers in the North say the new budget is an incentive for them to increase their goat herds and their income.
Seaqaqa farmer Mohammed Hussein said the industry had been lying dormant in the past few years as Government focused on other agricultural products.
Mr Hussein said the announcement by the Minister for Economy Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum, on Government’s intention with goat farming was heartening for farmers such as him.
“Most farmers do goat farming, but it is not done on a commercial scale,” he said.
“With the intention of Government, we can revolutionise our goat industry because we can even produce goat milk too.
“Most of our goat meats are imported when they can be produced locally, giving our members of the public an organic and healthy option.”
Muanidevo farmer in Dreketi, Abdul Walid, said the announcement was good news for farmers.
“Now farmers will extend their herds and even do goat farming on a commercial scale,” he said.
Mr Sayed-Khaiyum said Government was setting aside $97 million for the agriculture sector, adding that they had the intention of building the goat industry within the same budget.
Mr Sayed-Khaiyum said they would support local farmers prepare grazing land, fencing and preparation of water sources for the livestock to step up goat farming and production of goat meat.
