National Cattle Project Shows Strong Progress in Isabel Province

The Ghojoruru Cattle National Breeding Centre Project in Kokota, Buala, Isabel Province is making steady progress, with land development progressing as planned.

Out of the initial 22 hectares designated for pasture, 14 hectares have already been cleared, and the remaining 8 hectares are currently undergoing tree felling. This phase is expected to be completed by the end of next week.

The project, a key initiative by the government to boost livestock production, is being implemented with strong support from the provincial agriculture office and village contractors. Daily operations are supervised by field teams to ensure efficiency and adherence to required standards.

Local communities surrounding the project area have welcomed the initiative, citing economic benefits and opportunities for participation. Many community members are directly involved in clearing and preparing land for pasture.

Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development (MALD), Permanent Secretary Dr. Samson Viulu, said the establishment of the national cattle breeding centre will create employment opportunities, open new commercial avenues, and strengthen the ministry’s research capacity.

“This is a long-discussed national project that only began under the current GNUT Government toward end of 2025. Based on current progress, the breeding centre is expected to receive its first cattle herds towards end of the year or in early 2027, which will enable breeding activities and eventual distribution to provinces,” he said.

Dr Viulu added the ministry intends to introduce barn farming trials at the site instead of open grazing to increase stocking rates.

“Under the cattle national breeding centre, the ministry intends to introduce barn farming where cattle are raised in the shed with proper management to increase stocking rate per hectarage. Of course, open grazing will still continue but with a slow shift toward barn farming.

Ghojoruru in Isabel was selected because there is ample suitable land for the establishment and the land is owned by the province with a very favorable arrangement with the ministry,” he said.

While progress is strong, teams have reported challenges, including poor road access, limited temporary shelter, reliance on stream and rainwater, communication difficulties, and limited machinery and fuel. Despite these, the ministry assures that the project remains on track.

The next phase will involve subdividing cleared land into blocks, log cross-cutting, and pasture planting, scheduled over the next two to three weeks.

The Ghojoruru National Cattle Project is a critical step in strengthening cattle production, supporting rural livelihoods, and achieving national food security. The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development remains committed to addressing the challenges and ensuring the successful completion of the national project.

Clearing of land.

Felling Process.

<<<End>>>

MALD Media Release