Question NW1208 to the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development
22 April 2022 - NW1208
Montwedi, Mr Mk to ask the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development
Whether, with regard to farmers who find it difficult to do artificial insemination due to the costs of semen, her department intends to establish semen banks in all districts so that farmers can get semen at a low cost; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
No, there are no intentions of developing semen banks in Districts.
South Africa possesses superior animal genetic materials that is sought after all over the world. These animals were developed by objective breeding over a significant number of years. Artificial insemination was never prioritised as an instrument to improve livestock fertility due to huge capital requirements to establish bull-testing centres for semen collection and distribution. However, the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development has over the years collaborated with Provincial Departments of Agriculture to implement animal improvement programmes that involve donation of animals to improve reproduction of animals in the hands of emerging and developing livestock farmers.