BY OBED KULE KITHENDE
Cattle keepers in Kasese district have been encouraged to prepare for the prolonged drought that is expected to last for three months.
Dr. Yusuf Kibaya, the District Veterinary Officer says the current drought might go up to March.
According to him, last year over 700 cows died following a prolonged dry spell in the sub-counties of Nyakatonzi, Karusandara, Lake Katwe and Katwe – Kabatoro Town Council.
He also revealed that in the last five years, Kasese district has so far lost over 3,000 cows to the prolonged dry spells, a reason why farmers should prepare as early as possible to avoid a repeat of related incidents.
Dr. Kibaya sounded the encouragement today afternoon during an exclusive interview with our reporter.
He suggested to the farmers to embrace the use of silage method that preserves nutrients in green fodder grasses, leaves and other green plants by fermenting and storing them for the round –feeding of animals.
He also observed the need for storing water for the animals to drink so that they avoid walking long distances.
Dr. Kibaya was also skeptical that the dry spell might affect the effectiveness of the Parish Development Model programme, arguing that 70% of the beneficiaries selected animal rearing as their enterprises.
He used the same platform to reveal that his office was investigating cases of Foot and Mouth Disease in Kabirizi and Katwe cattle areas among others, appealing to the farmers to be vigilant and to also make use of the Extension Workers in their different sub-counties.
ENDS