By Mulengera ReportersFarmers in Bukedea District are set to benefit from improved access to quality animal genetics following an intervention by the National Animal Genetic Resources Centre and Data Bank (NAGRC&DB) to strengthen artificial insemination services in the district.As the World Veterinary Week 2026 celebrations concluded in Bukedea recently, NAGRC&DB distributed liquid nitrogen and semen straws to the District Local Government and Artificial Insemination (AI) technicians, providing critical inputs needed to expand access to artificial insemination services.The intervention was part of NAGRC&DB’s participation in the World Veterinary Week celebrations held from 21–24 April 2026 at Emokori Grounds in Bukedea District, under the theme, “Veterinarians: Guardians of Food and Health.”The provision of liquid nitrogen and semen straws is expected to enable AI technicians to reach more farmers with breeding services and facilitate access to improved genetics. In the long term, this can contribute to better-performing livestock and increased productivity at farm level.NAGRC&DB is mandated to conserve, improve and sustainably utilize Uganda’s animal genetic resources. Through artificial insemination and other animal breeding technologies, the institution supports farmers to access improved genetics while contributing to the development of Uganda’s livestock sector.Taking Veterinary Knowledge to FarmersBeyond the distribution of breeding inputs, NAGRC&DB used the World Veterinary Week platform to engage farmers and livestock stakeholders on practical approaches to improving animal production and health.The institution’s veterinary teams conducted practical training and provided information on animal breeding and reproductive technologies, animal health and disease control, food safety standards, and improved farm management practices.These engagements provided farmers with an opportunity to learn about technologies and services that can improve livestock production while promoting healthier animals and safer food.The NAGRC&DB exhibition space also served as an information point where farmers and other stakeholders could learn about the institution’s services, innovations and contribution to transforming Uganda’s livestock sector.Strengthening the Livestock SectorThe World Veterinary Week celebrations brought together veterinary professionals, farmers and other livestock stakeholders to highlight the important role of veterinary services in protecting animal health, human health and food systems.For farmers in Bukedea, the availability of AI inputs and technical knowledge creates an opportunity to strengthen breeding programmes and improve livestock production.By combining access to quality animal genetics with veterinary knowledge and improved farm management practices, NAGRC&DB continues to support efforts to build a more productive and sustainable livestock sector.The Bukedea intervention therefore goes beyond the distribution of liquid nitrogen and semen straws. It represents an investment in the systems, services and knowledge that farmers need to improve the productivity of their herds and strengthen household livelihoods.As Uganda works to transform its livestock sector, interventions that bring improved genetics, veterinary expertise and practical technologies closer to farmers remain an important part of that journey. (For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at mulengeranews@gmail.com).