Regarding them as a deliberate attempts to create unnecessary alarm and, undermine public confidence in the agricultural sector, Head of the Guyana Livestock Development Authority (GLDA), Dr. Dwight Walrond today demerited recent claims made by Opposition Leader Azruddin Mohamed.
During a press conference held at the Ministry of Agriculture, Dr. Walrond said that the Onverwagt Abattoir remains operational and continues to provide slaughtering and related services to livestock farmers.
He explained that the facility was recently fumigated. The Standard Operating Procedure in such circumstance is evacuation of all staffers. It therefore gives that no animal can be accepted during this time as well.
The GLDA boss said that animals will be accepted this week for schedule slaughtering on Friday.
Giving data on the use of the facility thus far, Dr Walrond said the abattoir has produced 112,000 K.G Beef, and butchers are charged a minimal fee of $3,000 per cattle to slaughter.
He noted that the cattle processed at the facility were supplied primarily by farmers from Regions Four, Five, Six, Nine and Ten, while limited quantities originated from Bon Fin, Brazil, through approved and lawful importation channels.
Dr. Walrond was keen to note, “these are verifiable figures and demonstrate that the facility is functioning and contributing to the growth of the sector.”
He added that like any public facility, its level of utilization depends on market demand, seasonal livestock supply, and the choices made by producers.” The Government has continued to invest in improving livestock infrastructure and expanding opportunities for farmers rather than allowing these facilities to deteriorate,” said Dr. Walrond.
