Belize: Belize’s ministry of agriculture, food security and enterprise received a donation of farming equipments from Taiwan – the Republic of China as a part of – Sheep Project Phase II.
The island received a donation of a – tractor with a forage harvester, a used Mitsubishi four wheel drive pickup, and additional farm tools from the Embassy of Taiwan in Belize.
The donation was aided through the – Breeding Sheep and Goat Production and Guidance System Enhancement Project – Sheep Project Phase II, and they would be used at the – National Sheep and Goat Breeding Center – (NSGBC) in the Central Farm.
Ambassador of the Republic of China -Taiwan, – H.E. David Kuan Chou Chien, handed over the donation to the minister of agriculture, food security and enterprise- Jose Abelardo Mai and chief executive officer of the ministry- Servulo Baeza.
Chief agriculture officer – Andrew Harrison managed the procedure and inspection of the equipment to assure all were in good condition.
The donation carries a combined value of BZ$143,625, including-tractor, plough and harrow, forage harvester combined with attachments for bush hog, front end loader, post hole drill, and a 16 foot trailer.
This successful phase of the project would improve – the production of corn forage silage to – provide for nutritional demands for the productivity of sheep and would also enhance the – harvesting of grass and forage to feed the 400 sheep and goats at the NSGBC.
Later this year, another vital output to achieve is the construction of another modern barn measuring- 60 feet by 135 feet to build the needed space to accommodate more imported goat and sheep breeding stock.
About the Sheep Project Phase II –
The project includes a budget of – US$3 million for a four-year implementation, which would end on- March 2024.
The goals of the project are –
- To continue aid to farmers to improve the quality of their goats and sheep
- To strengthen the sheep and goat traceability system to enhance value chain efficiencies.
- To conduct market study and value chain analysis to boost market penetration and consumption of products for -sheep and goats.
The government of Taiwan reasserted its commitment to continue supporting the Belize government via the successful implementation of the Breeding Sheep and Goat Production and Guidance System Enhancement Project to meet – Belize’s industry expansion and production potential.
