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

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

Callender sought to assure the public and local farmers that there is a good supply of semen available to meet the country’s pig farming needs and that the Ministry of Agriculture remains committed to helping breeders access resources essential for successful and sustainable breeding programs.

The deputy director of agriculture said the artificial insemination program of the Ministry of Agriculture has a robust system to monitor and maintain the supply chain, which includes the procurement and management of semen stocks livestock, in collaboration with local and international partners.

This system, Callender said, works effectively to ensure that farmers can access quality semen for their breeding programs without interruption.

He said the ministry was committed to continuing an ongoing dialogue with the farming community to promptly respond to their needs and possible concerns, and urged farmers to contact the ministry if they need assistance or they have questions about available resources.