Rabbit farmers advised on production, value addition

Proper housing is one of the factors that comprise good care and management in rabbitry. PHOTO BY CHRISTINE KATENDE 

Rabbit farmers have been urged to increase production, improve feeds and nutrition as well as enhance business skills and access market opportunities.
This was during a training held on March 26 at Agrosol farm in Kiwenda along Gayaza- Zirobwe road in Wakiso District. It was organised by Uganda Rabbit Farmers Association (URFA) and attracted more than 150 participants.
There were presentations on the various breeds like Flemish Giants, Californian, Palomino, Chinchilla and their different advantages.
Others covered feeds such as grasses and legumes and also hays, vegetables and treats.
The topics included market opportunities and business skills.
“There is need to bring more farmers on board so as to meet the high demand of 10,000 kilogrammes of rabbit meat needed for export per month. We can only produce 500 kilograms of meat which is still low compared to the potential,” said Jessica Nantale, the chairperson, URFA.
In his presentation as guest speaker, Peter Waiganjo, the chairman, Rabbit Breeders Association of Kenya, addressed issues about value addition, available markets for various rabbit products, and disease management and control.
Waiganjo, however, noted that although rabbitry can be profitable, those interested should acquire adequate knowledge prior to investment.
“Start with what you can afford. With good management, housing, breeds and feeds, you will able to make rabbit farming profitable,” he said.
In the closing remarks, Mark Ochieng, the host and managing director, Agrosol Ltd, emphasised that the focus was on creating awareness to involve more people so as to achieve the target of increasing volume of production.