Ultravetis set to service smallholder livestock farmers in Western Province
Ultravetis Group Chairman, Wachira Mureithi, assured stakeholders that attended the launch of the company’s operations in Western Province that the company will work towards having a permanent footprint in the area.
Speaking during separate events held in Mongu and Senanga on 20th and 21st May 2015, respectively, Mureithi explained that Ultravetis’ entry point will be the creation of input distribution channels that will increase access to the company’s products and services, including Artificial Insemination (AI), by smallholder livestock farmers.
“With Musika’s support, Ultravetis will introduce AI as an entry point into the beef farming areas so that they have an option of scientifically converting some of their beef animals into diary animals as an additional source of income,” he explained.
Ultravetis, a Zambian veterinary and genetics company, will also partner with companies in value-addition such as dairy and beef processing companies who will provide a ready market for the farmer’s produce.
According to Mureithi, women groups will also benefit from Ultravetis’ interventions in small livestock sector such as village chicken.
“We intend to introduce a new variety of village chicken that is more productive in terms of egg production and meat, and with a high resistance to diseases,” he added.
Provincial Agriculture Coordinator, Alex Chilalala, who referred to the livestock sector as the ‘sleeping giant’ of Western Province encouraged farmers to cease the opportunity provided by Ultravetis by fully utilising their products and services.
Musika’s intervention in the vet service market aims to increase access, by smallholders, to high quality veterinary inputs leading to healthier and more productive herds. Smallholders are provided with an opportunity to invest in new genetics, enabling them to grow and practice farming as a business.