THE MICROCHIP may be coming; not for humans, but for cows and other livestock.

The Jamaican Government is to spend $29 million on the technology as it develops an animal identification system aimed at reducing farm theft.

J.C. Hutchinson, junior minister in the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, could announce the plans for the system when he makes his contribution to the ongoing Sectoral Debate in Parliament.

Details of the animal identification system were contained in Agriculture Minister Dr Christopher Tufton's prepared text for his presentation to the debate.

However, when Tufton spoke on Tuesday, he hardly addressed farm theft. He said that Hutchinson would speak about it.

"In terms of praedial larceny, we had announced last year that we would do a study to determine how we would improve the process. That study is now in and we are taking the necessary steps to advance a programme to deal with that.

"Critical to that process is the issue of traceability. We are going to be working on a number of initiatives which my colleague will comment on when he speaks," Tufton told The House of Representatives.

Tracking thieves

During his Sectoral Debate presentation last year, Hutchinson said the Government would put microchips in animals to track down thieves.

However, Roger Clarke, the opposition spokesman on agriculture, blasted the plan, labelling it an ill-conceived idea. Clarke said thieves could still butcher and sell animals without getting caught, as the entrails containing the chip might be left in the field.

The animal identification system should provide for the identification and registration of all livestock in Jamaica.

The system is also to allow for a computerised database, inclusive of passports and tags, which will be able to trace animals from birth to slaughter.

"This system will not only ensure the safety of our meats, but will also be an effective tool in the fight against praedial larceny," read a section of Tufton's prepared speech.

daraine.luton@gleanerjm.com