The Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock says it will prioritize research as the backbone for increased production and productivity in the fisheries and livestock sector.
Minister in Charge Professor Nkandu Luo says there can be no meaningful development of the fisheries and livestock sector if research continues to be given low priority in budget allocation.
Professor Luo was speaking in an interview after familiarizing herself with research activities at the Central Veterinary Research Institute at Balmoral in Chilanga.
She says she will ensure that government allocates more money in next year’s national budget towards disease surveillance and vaccination production instead of disease control.
She wondered why her ministry spends 86 million Kwacha annually to buy foot and mouth disease vaccines from Botswana when that money can be spent on building capacity to produce the vaccine locally.
Meanwhile Chief Veterinary Research Officer at the Institute, Gift Munthali indicated that plans are underway to commence vaccine production activities at the center through creation of the Zambia Vaccine Institute.
Dr. Munthali says the institute currently produces more than five vaccines for livestock and has potential to produce more if the institute is adequately funded.
He says over 70,000 samples per year are processed at CVRI for disease surveillance and routine diagnosis to facilitate livestock movement and trade.