JUBA, Aug. 14 (Xinhua) -- South Sudan has developed a one-year investment plan that seeks to boost cattle, poultry and fish production, a senior government official said Monday.
James Janga Duku, Minister of Livestock, Fisheries and Animal Resources said the plan involves development of 15 livestock laws, construction of abattoirs in all major towns and setting up poultry farms across the country, with each farm expected to produce 3,000 eggs per week.
He added that the government also seeks to increase commercial fish production by investing in modern fishing technologies, processing and value addition.
"We are grappling left and right to see that we raise the money in order to invest for the production in this (livestock) sector which is very lucrative to our economy. We must secure this within a period of one year and I hope it will be possible," Duku said.
"We need modern abattoirs that can enable us to trade in healthy meat products and also be able to give us the gateway for meat exports. I appeal to the government to give my ministry something that I'm able to point to the investors from abroad," Duku added.
According to Duku, South Sudan is home to 12 million cattle, over 28 million goats and sheep and large quantities of different fish species in swamps and the River Nile, which largely remain untapped.
He said the government has embarked on registering all practicing veterinary doctors in South Sudan to assess their qualifications and training needs in a bid to address the problem of animal health.
Duku added that a developed livestock industry would help reduce food insecurity and also diversify the economy of the oil-dependent East African nation.
"Livestock and fisheries can be tapped in the various food chains to address the food insecurity situation which is evident in our nation and also address the nutrition concerns especially for the children and the elderly," Duku said.
Moses Hassan, Minister of Trade and Industry said the government of South Sudan has identified Asia as potential market for its meat products, adding that South Sudan is eyeing closer cooperation with leading meat producers there.
"If the Asian meat market is opening up like it is happening now, we should also eye at it by putting our house in order, educating a lot of young people so that they can work in that area and also improve on our products," Hassan said.
