NAITS to be Strengthened to Tackle Praedial Larceny

The Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries will be strengthening the National Animal Identification and Traceability System (NAITS) in 2023, says Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, Hon. Pearnel Charles Jr.

“Praedial larceny has been the scourge which hinders imminent growth for our sector, and it is the reason we are going to be very serious and bullish in advancing our efforts for legislative amendments. We will also be bolstering NAITS to tackle this issue,” the Minister said, in a recently recorded message on the focus areas for the new year, at his Office, Hope Gardens, in Kingston.

NAITS is an identification and registration system for the Jamaican livestock population, such as cattle, which incorporates information on their identity, ownership, geographical location and movement activity.

Increased focus on the system forms part of efforts to address the issue of praedial larceny and adds to the wider strategy of improving the growth and development within the sector for 2023.

It is estimated that Jamaican farmers suffer losses of more than $5 billion per annum due to praedial larceny.

The Minister said that focus will also be placed on addressing concerns related to animal feed.

“We have heard the cries where animal feed is concerned, and we are improving our research and development initiatives to produce indigenous raw materials to produce our own animal feed as well as fertilisers,” he noted.