BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, (CMC) Barbados is denying reports of a shortage of pig semen in the country warning that such claims could cause unnecessary alarm within the agricultural sector.

“We want to make it absolutely clear that there is no shortage of pig semen in Barbados. Our resources are sufficient to meet the needs of all our farmers, and we continue to ensure that they have the support necessary to maintain healthy and productive herds,” said Deputy Chief Agricultural Officer, Barney Callender.

Callender has sought to assure the public and local farmers that there is a good supply of semen available to support the nation’s pig farming needs and that the Ministry of Agriculture remains committed to supporting livestock farmers in accessing essential resources for successful and sustainable breeding programmes.

The Deputy Chief Agricultural Officer said that the Ministry of Agriculture’s Artificial Insemination Programme has a robust system in place to monitor and maintain the supply chain, which includes sourcing and managing livestock semen stocks, in collaboration with local and international partners.

This system, Callender said, is functioning effectively to guarantee that farmers can access quality semen for their breeding programmes without disruption.

He said the ministry is committed to ongoing dialogue with the farming community to promptly address their needs and any concerns, and urged farmers to reach out to the ministry if they need assistance or have questions regarding the available resources.