Ministry ensures supply of livestock for Ramadan, Eid

Adequate measures have been taken to ensure constant supply of red meat in the market, according to the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources.

The ministry said it recently facilitated the import of 57,120 sheep and 1,970 cattle while 60,000 more sheep and 6,700 cattle are expected to arrive during the month of Ramadan.

Dr Yahya bin Amer Abdullah al Ma’wali, director general of Animal Wealth at the ministry, said that with the approaching month of Ramadan and the festive period, efforts have been made to import adequate numbers of cattle and sheep.

“About 40 import permits have been issued for the purpose,” he said.

He said the ministry has taken a number of measures to maintain food security and make available adequate sources of food items to ensure smooth food supply. The ministry is also working on offering incentives and facilities to ensure the steady inflow of food items to the local markets.

Local production amounted to 51 per cent of red meat, 54 per cent of poultry, 57 per cent of table eggs and 67 per cent of dairy products, he added.

The ministry, in coordination with the national companies operating in import of sheep and cattle, is working on offering all facilities to such companies in order to meet the requirements of the local market.