The Barbados Agricultural Society (BAS) in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture is embarking on a $40 000 artificial insemination project to help boost pork production.
At a press conference held at the BAS headquarters in The Grotto St Michael today, chief executive officer James Paul announced that 100 doses of semen from Swine Genetics International, which is based in the United States, will be imported this week and the programme will be rolled out in two weeks’ time.
Farmers who want to access the semen will be required to pay $75 per dose.
Just under 30 000 pigs are slaughtered annually and Paul said the BAS wants to see that increase to 50 000. (SZB)