Livestock represents a savings source for rural households. The livestock sector plays an important role in the country's socio-economic development. Indeed, "approximately 70% of rural households practice this activity. Livestock also accounts for up to 60% of household income and guarantees the means of subsistence and food for rural households, while directly contributing to food and nutritional security of the population," stated the Minister of Livestock, Andrianomenjanahary Riana Nantenaina, during the official opening of the 8th edition of the International Fair for Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries, coupled with the International Gastronomy Festival, yesterday at CCI Ivato.

Integration of Technologies
He then emphasized that his department's objective is to have modern, productive, efficient and competitive livestock farming. To achieve this, "our actions focus on strengthening animal health, improving genetic traits of livestock breeds, promoting and manufacturing feed for herds as well as building and modernizing infrastructure dedicated to the sector. The goal is to increase production while strengthening value chains," he explained. Furthermore, the Ministry of Livestock places great importance on product transformation and the integration of technology and digital solutions in this sector, qualified as one of the pillars of the national economy.

Increasing Demand
Within the framework of this international fair, investment opportunities are available to stakeholders wishing to enter the livestock sector, in addition to exhibitions of purebred animals illustrating innovations in genetic improvement. All links in the value chains are also presented. "We encourage young people and women to invest given that livestock sectors constitute sustainable income-generating activities, especially since demand for derived products is increasing both on the local market and for export." Similarly, "organizing such an event also constitutes a major opportunity for livestock farmers to access markets and conclude sustainable commercial agreements with potential customers," concluded the supervising minister.