The government has re-tooled a total of 39 artificial insemination technicians on proper timing for Artificial Insemination (AI). The technicians were also and equipped with skills for advising farmers on reporting heat and other signs of reproduction.

The technicians who were drawn from different districts across the country were trained at the Ruhengyere Government Ranch in Kiruhura District.

Ruhengyere is one of the government ranches in Western Uganda. It has 1,538 heads of cattle and 10,265 goats.

State Minister for Agriculture in charge of Animal Industry, retired Lt. Col. Bright Rwamirama presided over the event to flag off the newly retooled scientists in Artificial Insemination. The technicians received certificates and tools to enable them to serve the farmers better.

Minister Rwamirama warned technicians against misusing the tools they had received and also cautioned them against charging the farmers fees they cannot afford. He also asked them to sensitize the farmers on the need to engage in farming as a profitable business to sustain their livelihoods and transform their communities.

The minister commended farmers in Kiruhura District for not vandalizing Ruhengyere Government Ranch, a terrible practice that has been seen in other areas in which Government farms.

The course was delivered by a team of experts from different organizations, including the National Animal Genetic Resource Centre & Data Bank (NAGCR & DB), Makerere University, and the Ministry of Agriculture.

The Course Coordinator Dr. Silagi Luwagu, said that the government has trained about 500 artificial inseminators since 2008. He said the newly graduated cohort of 39 was equipped with skills in major aspects related to Artificial Insemination, and intensive practical training with animals, among others.

Dr. Ana Roza Ademun, the Director of Animal Resources at the National Animal Genetic Resource Centre & Data Bank said they will zone some areas in the country for specific breeds to enable farmers to get good breeds.

Dan Mukago- Kiruhura District chairman thanked the government for the initiative to improve the productivity of farmers.

Karim