The Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security and Enterprise received a tractor with forage harvester, a used Mitsubishi four-wheel drive pickup, and other farm implements from the Embassy of the Republic of China (Taiwan) in Belize.
The donation was facilitated through the Breeding Sheep and Goat Production and Guidance System Enhancement Project (Sheep Project Phase II) and will be used at the National Sheep and Goat Breeding Center (NSGBC) in Central Farm.
The tractor and forage harvester combined with attachments for bush-hog, plow and harrow, post-hole drill, front end loader and a 16-foot trailer has a combined value of BZ$143,625 and is part of the outputs achieved under the Sheep Project Phase II. This markedly successful phase of the project will enhance the harvesting of grass and forage to feed the 400 head of sheep and goats at the NSGBC. It will also improve the production of corn forage silage to provide for nutritional demands for the productivity of the sheep. Another notable output to achieve later this year is the construction of another modern barn measuring 60 feet by 135 feet to create needed space to accommodate more imported sheep and goat breeding stock.
H.E. David Kuan-Chou Chien, Ambassador of the Republic of China (Taiwan), handed over the donation to Hon. Jose Abelardo Mai, Minister of Agriculture, Food Security and Enterprise, and Mr. Servulo Baeza, chief executive officer of the ministry. Mr. Andrew Harrison, chief agriculture officer, supervised the procurement procedure and inspection of the equipment to ensure all were in good condition.
The Sheep Project Phase II includes a budget of US$3 million for a four-year implementation ending March 2024. The objectives are, among others, to continue assistance to farmers to improve the quality of their sheep and goats; to conduct market study and value chain analysis to promote consumption and market penetration for sheep and goat products; and to strengthen the sheep and goat traceability system to improve value chain efficiencies.
The Government of Taiwan reaffirms its commitment to continue supporting the Government of Belize through the successful implementation of the Breeding Sheep and Goat Production and Guidance System Enhancement Project in order to fulfill Belize’s production potential and industry expansion.
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