NAGRC&DB is playing a key role in the successful implementation of PDM
The National Animal Genetic Resources Centre and Data Bank (NAGRC&DB) has outlined plans to intensify mass livestock breeding and multiplication programmes to increase the supply of improved dairy heifers, poultry chicks and piglets to farmers benefiting from the Parish Development Model (PDM).
The agency says the move is aimed at increasing access to superior animal genetics, boosting livestock productivity and helping shareholder farmers transition from subsistence farming to commercial agriculture.
The plans are part of NAGRC&DB’s priorities for the 2026/2027 financial year, which were discussed during a two-day strategic retreat held in Entebbe on August 6 and 7.
The retreat brought together the NAGRC&DB Board of Directors and management to review the agency’s priorities and strategies for the coming financial year.
The discussions were guided by the National Animal Breeding Strategy and Action Plan, which seeks to commercialise animal breeding, improve livestock productivity and conserve Uganda’s indigenous genetic resources across the dairy, beef, goat, pig, poultry and fish value chains.
NAGRC&DB Board Chairperson Ben Anyama said the agency would intensify mass breeding and multiplication of high-performing and climate-smart breeds to ensure that more farmers can access improved livestock.
“The National Animal Breeding Strategy is focusing on enhancing commercialization of breeding, boosting livestock productivity, and conserving indigenous genetic resources across dairy, beef, pigs, poultry, and fish value chains,” Anyama said.
He said the strategy was not merely about increasing the number of animals produced, but ensuring that quality genetics reach farmers across the country.
“This is not just about increasing numbers; it is about ensuring that every farmer, regardless of scale, can access superior genetics,” Anyama added.
NAGRC&DB targets PDM farmers
The intensified breeding programme is expected to strengthen NAGRC&DB’s collaboration with the Parish Development Model by enabling more rural households to access improved animals for income generation.
The agency says it has aligned its programmes with PDM to ensure that improved livestock breeds and breeding services reach farmers at the last mile.
Through community-based animal breeding programmes, NAGRC&DB is also increasing technical support to small holder farmers in genetic selection, artificial insemination, disease control and modern animal husbandry.
The approach is already being implemented in areas including the Busoga sub-region and cattle corridor, where farmers are being organised into breeding societies and trained in modern breeding practices.
The agency says the community-based approach will enable farmers to participate directly in livestock genetic improvement while reducing the challenges associated with access to breeding services.
Kasolwe positioned as livestock multiplication centre
NAGRC&DB has invested heavily in livestock breeding, animal feeds and forage production at Kasolwe Stock Farm as part of efforts to increase the availability of improved breeds.
The farm, which covers more than a square mile, has extensive areas dedicated to forage production, including grasses, hay, energy-rich maize and protein supplements.
Kasolwe has also become a centre for multiplying improved animal breeds, including the Kasolwe Brown goat, which was developed through NAGRC&DB’s genetic improvement programmes.
According to Dr Katali Benda, NAGRC&DB programme officer for small ruminants, the Kasolwe Brown goat is drought-tolerant, fast-growing and relatively resistant to diseases commonly affecting goats.
He said females can weigh up to 65 kilogrammes at maturity, while males can reach up to 75 kilogrammes.
The goats are also capable of producing multiple kids, with some producing up to four kids a year, making them suitable for farmers seeking to rapidly expand their herds.
More improved poultry, pigs and cattle
NAGRC&DB has also intensified the multiplication of improved poultry and pig breeds for distribution to farmers.
In the Busoga sub-region alone, the agency says it has distributed more than 500,000 improved Kuroiler chicks, 10,000 crossbred bulls, 5,000 pigs and 165 Kasolwe Brown goats.
The improved dual-purpose Kuroiler birds can produce between 150 and 200 eggs annually, compared with about 40 eggs from many indigenous chickens.
They can also reach a market weight of approximately two to 3.5 kilogrammes within five months.
NAGRC&DB has simultaneously expanded artificial insemination services as part of its livestock genetic improvement programme.
Over the past two years, more than 10,000 cattle in the Busoga sub-region have been inseminated, contributing to improvements in herd quality and milk production.
The agency currently produces and distributes improved semen and liquid nitrogen to farmers across the country.
Feed production to support mass breeding
NAGRC&DB says increased livestock production must be supported by adequate and quality animal feeds.
The agency has therefore invested in feed production at Kasolwe, where heavy-duty machinery is being used to produce compounded feeds for poultry, pigs and dairy cattle.
“We are backed by our heavy-duty feed production machinery at Kasolwe, which is producing compounded poultry, piggery, and dairy cattle feeds,” the institution said.
NAGRC&DB says community-based breeding programmes will also give farmers greater access to practical training in artificial insemination, disease control and genetic selection.
The agency says farmers can access subsidised superior genetics capable of producing more milk, meat and eggs, ultimately increasing household incomes.
Its emphasis on indigenous and climate-smart breeds is also intended to help farmers cope with changing climatic conditions while maintaining livestock productivity.
Women and youth to benefit
NAGRC&DB says women, youth and persons with disabilities will be deliberately included in the livestock transformation agenda.
The agency says improved access to livestock breeds, technical training and breeding services will create economic opportunities for vulnerable and previously underserved groups while strengthening household incomes.
The livestock sector remains an important component of Uganda’s agricultural economy. Uganda Bureau of Statistics data cited during the retreat indicate that livestock supports about 71 per cent of Ugandan households and contributes approximately 4.5 per cent of the country’s GDP.
Within agriculture, livestock accounts for about 17 per cent of agricultural GDP, with dairy alone contributing an estimated 40 to 50 per cent of livestock’s contribution.
Shs56.96 billion investment in breeding infrastructure
The renewed push for mass livestock breeding comes amid increased government investment in animal genetic resources.
In March 2026, Parliament endorsed a Shs56.96 billion investment in livestock breeding infrastructure, including the Bukedea and Serere breeding centres, under the Fourth National Development Plan (NDP IV).
The investment is expected to support mass multiplication of improved breeds, restocking programmes and community-based breeding initiatives.
For NAGRC&DB, the strategy is to combine improved genetics, mass breeding, farmer training, animal feeds and community-based breeding to raise livestock productivity.
The agency argues that increasing the supply of improved dairy heifers, poultry chicks and piglets to PDM farmers will expand access to productive livestock and help rural households generate sustainable incomes.
The programme is ultimately expected to contribute to Uganda’s broader efforts to achieve household income growth, food security and commercialisation of agriculture.
