Minister Bakary Y. Badjie urges youths to embrace livestock farming as profession

Article by: Modou L. Badjie

A two-day livestock show organized by the Livestock Farmers’ Association came to a close on Sunday at the Abuko Abattoir with commitments to promote livestock breeding in the country.

The event drew participants from the Gambia and neighbouring Senegal and the objective was to promote camaraderie among livestock breeders of the two countries as well as to stimulate interest in livestock breeding among Gambians.

The Senegalese minister of livestock, Gambia’s minister of youth and sports and the permanent secretary at the agriculture ministry were among high-profile personalities who graced the two-day event with their presence.

And according to the Youth and Sports Minister, Bakary Y. Badjie, livestock breeding is one of the propellants and a key component of the country’s economy, creating jobs for many especially the youth.

He however, lamented that majority of the rams consumed during feasts like ‘Tobaski’ are imported and therefore urged youths to embrace livestock farming as a profession.

Minister Badjie gave the assurance of government’s willingness to support and work with the livestock breeders association through the ministry of agriculture to promote livestock production in the country.

The Senegalese Livestock Minister, Dodou Ka, recognized and praised the cordial relations between Banjul and Dakar and expressed commitment to promote the development of the two countries’ agriculture sectors.

The President of the National Livestock Owners Association, Ebrima O. Jallow, highlighted some of the gains made in this year’s event as he underscored the importance of the show.

He talked about his association’s efforts in promoting the rearing of the exotic ‘Ladoum’ sheep breed mainly found in Senegal. President Jallow meanwhile urged livestock owners not to allow their animals stray in town.