ABIDJAN, April 15 (Xinhua) -- Cote d'Ivoire intends to rely on animal genetic improvement to ensure its food sovereignty, Minister of Animal and Fisheries Resources Sidi Tiemoko Toure said here on Tuesday.

Presenting a draft law on animal genetic improvement before the Ivorian parliament, Toure stressed that this approach constitutes a key lever for transforming the sector.

"This reform will help professionalize the sector and create an environment conducive to investment. The objective is to improve productivity, strengthen animals' resistance to diseases, and enhance the quality of animal products," he said.

According to him, the project could significantly increase yields and resilience of the livestock system by promoting more efficient breeds that are better adapted to local conditions.

The reform is part of the National Policy for the Development of Livestock, Fishing, and Aquaculture (PONADEPA 2022-2026), which promotes intensive and sustainable production models. It also aims to foster a new generation of economic actors capable of boosting the animal and fisheries value chains. ■