The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in partnership with government will commission one of the largest livestock semen processing and cryopreservation centres in the country in Matobo on Saturday.
UNDP resident representative Ayodele Odusola says the centre will play a significant role to promote the adoption of climate smart agriculture technologies.
“This is the largest semen processing and cryopreservation centre in Zimbabwe set to change the narrative in agricultural research,” Odusula said in a statement.
“This centre will play a significant role to promote the adoption of climate smart agriculture technologies that address critical needs of vulnerable smallholder farmers who experience increasing climatic disturbances.”
He said the total equipment investment in the project is valued at US$394 390 and an additional US$10 557 in staff capacity building.
“The total investment towards the semen processing and cryopreservation laboratory is US$404 947. Semen processing and cryopreservation facility enables farmers to easily access top quality semen at affordable prices,” Odusola said.
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“The centre also plays a crucial role in preserving genetic diversity through cryopreservation of semen from valuable livestock breeds, including our indigenous and locally adapted breeds.”
The UNDP boss said Matopos Research Institute is a custodian of indigenous breeds (Tuli, Mashona, Afrikander and Nkone) and is availing elite indigenous animal genetic resources to farmers on a cost recovery basis.