Seychelles allocates US$1.4M to revive livestock sector, reduce meat imports

SEYCHELLES – The Seychelles government has set aside US$1.4 million to support the recovery of the country’s livestock sector as it seeks to increase local meat production and reduce dependence on imported supplies.

The funding package will lower the cost of animal feed by 30%, providing financial support to farmers facing high input expenses that have limited livestock production.

In addition, poultry and pig farmers producing for the local market will receive increased subsidies on slaughter fees, while direct payments will be available to registered farmers purchasing animal feed.

The measures come as Seychelles’ livestock industry remains relatively small, with 158 registered farmers, many of whom are currently inactive and not engaged in commercial production.

The government hopes the financial support will encourage more farmers to resume production and provide existing operators with greater capacity to maintain or expand their livestock businesses.

Access to the programme, however, will be limited to registered farmers, meaning producers must be formally recognised within the agricultural system to qualify for the assistance.

Officials will review the funding and subsidy arrangements every six months to determine whether the measures are delivering the intended results and whether allocations need to be changed.

The government is also planning wider changes to the sector, including a review of agricultural policies, improved training for farmers and greater use of technology in livestock production.

Those efforts are expected to take time because farmers will need to secure financing, expand their facilities and livestock numbers, and adjust their operations before domestic output can rise significantly.

The strategy is aimed at gradually rebuilding Seychelles’ livestock industry while creating greater domestic capacity to supply meat and reducing the country’s exposure to overseas suppliers.

The government’s approach therefore combines immediate financial assistance with longer-term measures intended to increase the number of active producers and expand local meat production.

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