Small ranchers in the area covering western Bekaa, Hermel and Baalbek received today machinery and tools to help them develop their capabilities. The equipment consisted of 350 electric milking machines and 1200 40-liter stainless steel buckets. The donation was part of a program sponsored by FAO and implemented in coordination with the Ministry of Agriculture. The program, which aims at improving the quality of milk production, involves educating the ranchers on raising their cattle. This includes offering them training on such matters as the use of artificial insemination and veterinary services. The program also includes reactivating the network for milk collection in the region, which has been idle for a number of years, and establishing a storage service. The storage space will be equipped with adequate facilities, including fridges and sterilization tools, in order to ensure the quality and safety of milk, the Ministry of Agriculture said.