Govt: Support for rabbit meat production will continue

PERMAISURI: The Agriculture and Food Industries Ministry will continue to encourage young entrepreneurs to venture into rabbit meat production, said Deputy Minister II Datuk Che Abdullah Mat Nawi.

The industry had great potential as demand for rabbit meat had been rising and could be an alternative to beef and mutton, he said.

“There are advantages in rabbit breeding, including a short production cycle, lower operating cost and fast, lucrative returns, ” he told reporters after a seminar on the potential of rabbit meat production at an agro resort here.

The current rabbit population in Malaysia is estimated to be 33,701, including broilers and pets.

“Average rabbit meat production is almost 1,000kg per month and the selling price is about RM35 per kg.

“Rabbits weigh between 1kg and 1.6kg each and can be slaughtered after 60 to 90 days, ” he said.

Terengganu Veterinary Services Department (JPV) director Dr Mohd Termizi Ghazali said the department and the state government will continue to support efforts in developing the industry with the implementation of advisory services programmes as well as courses on livestock production.

“So far, we have helped three aspiring farmers through the Young Agropreneur Scheme by providing equipment, infrastructure and livestock feed amounting to RM60,000.

“JPV also provides assistance to rabbit breeders and is planning to build a rabbit slaughterhouse with halal status in the Kuala Nerus district, ” he said. — Bernama