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FG to boost livestock with commercial pasture

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By Abiodun Okunloye

An effective livestock sector will improve the economy and society.

The Nigerian government is embarking on a significant change for the Livestock sector by revealing a plan to establish commercial pasture production. Idi Mukhtar Maiha, the Minister of Livestock Development, emphasised that this move is integral to a larger strategy focused on modernising and revitalising Nigeria’s livestock industry, with the goals of generating employment, promoting productivity, and strengthening food security. In a recent gathering with local leaders and herders in the Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State, Maiha highlighted the significant opportunities within Nigeria’s livestock industry.

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This sector currently encompasses more than 20 million cattle, 80 million goats, and about 50 million sheep, in addition to other animals such as poultry, fish, pigs, donkeys, horses, rabbits, and bees. Acknowledging the advantages that an effective livestock sector brings to the Economy and society, the ministry is working on creating a well-organised and sustainable system aimed at enhancing productivity, reducing conflicts between farmers and herders, and promoting harmony in rural communities. He conveyed his conviction that commercial pasture farming might resolve several challenges faced by the sector by offering premium, pest-resistant forage that can flourish in Nigeria’s varied climates.

Feed importation will be reduced while livestock production is promoted.

Additionally, he discussed intentions to set up extensive pasture farms in multiple regions, such as North-Central, North-West, and South-West zones. This initiative aims to lessen Nigeria’s reliance on imported feed, enhance rural communities’ well-being, and create job opportunities for young people. The ministry has laid out an extensive plan for advancing livestock production, which involves improving grazing lands with contemporary farming infrastructure, drawing in herders, and refining laws to encourage investments from domestic and international sources in beef and dairy sectors.

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As noted by Maiha, President Tinubu’s government is wholeheartedly dedicated to this initiative, which is highlighted by the recent creation of Nigeria’s inaugural Ministry of Livestock Development. The ministry aims to focus on sustainable livestock farming practices and foster a supportive atmosphere for Investors across the spectrum, including both small-scale farmers and large producers. He emphasised that this initiative for modernisation and commercialisation will incorporate global standards in breeding, animal welfare, and food safety, thereby enhancing Nigeria’s livestock industry as a vital driver of economic development.

A collaborative effort will generate more opportunities.

Currently, cows in Nigeria yield less than one litre of milk each day, a lesser contrast to the global average of 6.6 litres per cow. By implementing advanced genetic breeding methods, Maiha believes that milk output can rise to match or even exceed global benchmarks. These advancements may notably lessen Nigeria’s dependency on imported dairy goods while enhancing the country’s food security. The commercial pasture development program will serve as a crucial support system for small farmers and herders, allowing them to engage in the livestock value chain and secure a reliable income.

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Acknowledging the essential contributions of women and young people in agriculture, the minister committed to promoting their involvement in this value chain. By collaborating with Private Sector partners, academic research organisations, and development agencies, the ministry seeks to expand opportunities for enhancing skills, generating jobs, and fostering wealth in rural areas. He highlighted the ministry’s strategy of utilising grazing reserves as a viable method to address the persistent conflicts between farmers and herders in Nigeria. The government aims to promote harmonious interactions between these groups by enhancing these reserves with suitable facilities, thereby reducing tensions through an organised and controlled grazing framework.

Related Article: Livestock industry key to economic growth

Lastly, the ministry is responsible for creating, executing, and overseeing policies promoting livestock progress, resolving conflicts, and safeguarding animal well-being. One of its key projects involves launching a national system for managing animal health and adopting a One Health strategy that integrates animal Welfare with human health and ecological sustainability. The ministry is dedicated to establishing supportive structures, including contemporary ranches and animal welfare services, that will promote enduring expansion and progress in the industry. Under the guidance of President Tinubu, who inaugurated the Ministry of Livestock Development on July 9, 2024, Maiha and his team are setting the groundwork for a livestock industry that will greatly boost Nigeria’s GDP and improve its position in the global market.

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