Farmers in Ankole and other cattle corridor districts have been advised to invest in pasture growing and store feeds to feed their animals, especially during the dry season when there is a scarcity

The call was made by agriculture experts who believe the move if embraced by all farmers will save the farmers the hustle of walking long distances in search of pastures during the dry season.

According to Dr.Moses Ahimbisibwe the Regional manager Dairy Development Authority (DDA) Southwestern region the move will increase milk production in the country

Dr.Ahimbisibwe believes the figure could double if all farmers can embrace the growth of improved pasture and store to feed their animals, especially during the dry season when there is a scarcity of feeds

Pastures are the cheapest source of feed for ruminant animals which are particularly valuable because of their ability to convert all types of forages, roughages, and crop by-products into products that are useful to man that’s as milk, meat, hides, and skins.

Experts advised farmers to endeavor to feed their animals with plants that are nutritious.

Farmers are also encouraged to use paddocking as another good means to preserve pasture

Dan Mukago Rutetebya- chairman of Kiruhura district said pasture improvement is needed at all levels including at people’s farms. According to him, the district has 410000 cattle producing between 800,000-1.2M  liters of milk during the rainy season but this goes down to 500,000-800,000 liters during the dry season. Mukago says liters should grow up if farmers are supported to grow pastures.