The Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC) has been urged by Dr. Idi Maiha, Minister of Livestock Development, to take the lead in reshaping Nigeria’s livestock industry via creative R&D. The minister discussed important areas of concentration with Prof. Nnanyelugo Ike-Muonso, the director-general of RMRDC, including enhancing local livestock feed production, creating pasture and fodder, and utilising artificial insemination to boost cattle milk yields. He emphasised the significance of developing vaccinations and medications domestically.
This will help avoid sickness and put protection measures in place for cattle skins to increase their market value. Dr. Maiha also emphasised the potential of unique goat breeds, such as the Sokoto Red goat, for its superior leather, with the goal of promoting economic prosperity. In order to increase the livestock sector’s economic contribution to Nigeria, the minister reiterated the government’s commitment to encouraging Innovation and cooperation. Nigeria’s agricultural Economy depends heavily on the cattle industry.
Despite its importance, the industry faces a variety of difficulties.
About 5% of the national GDP and 17% of the agricultural GDP are attributed to it. 13 million households, or 42% of Nigeria’s total population, depend on this sector for their livelihoods. There were about 180 million chicken birds, 76 million goats, 43.4 million sheep, 18.4 million cattle, 7.5 million pigs, and 1.4 million equids (horses, donkeys, etc.) in Nigeria’s livestock population in 2017. Despite its importance, the industry faces a variety of difficulties. Low local production of livestock feeds and insufficient feed resources are some of these issues, which can result in disputes between farmers and herders.
Inadequate infrastructure, antiquated farming methods, and restricted financial availability further hinder the industry. Nigeria’s industrial raw materials sector has advanced because of significant efforts by the Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC). To illustrate how research findings can be turned into commercial inputs and products, the council has set up pilot plants in a number of industries, such as paints, fertilisers, plastics, chemicals, medicines, and food processing. The government’s goal of encouraging innovation and industrial expansion is in line with these programs.
FG launched the National Livestock Transformation Plan (NLTP).
A thorough approach is required to successfully adopt tactics like artificial insemination and the marketing of unusual breeds. This entails creating supportive regulations, guaranteeing farmers’ access to the tools and technologies they need, and enhancing their capacity. Governmental organisations, academic institutions, and the corporate sector must work together to give livestock producers resources and training. Furthermore, spreading knowledge about these tactics’ advantages can help them become more widely used. Those involved in the cattle sector stress the value of making decisions based on data.
In order to give precise information on livestock output, market trends, and disease outbreaks, the Nigerian government launched a real-time data portal. The purpose of this platform is to empower farmers to make knowledgeable choices and help legislators create focused actions to promote sector expansion. To address these problems, the Nigerian government launched the National Livestock Transformation Plan (NLTP), which focuses on information education, strategic communication, law and order, humanitarian relief, economic investment, and conflict resolution.
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Through genetic modification, the initiative seeks to increase cattle productivity, foster pasture production, and create market-driven ranches. Putting these plans into action could boost the cattle industry’s production and efficiency, which will raise Farmer incomes and improve food security. The industry’s Economic Growth can be stimulated by promoting exotic breeds, such as the Sokoto Red goat, which is prized for its superior leather. All things considered, these initiatives seek to make Nigeria’s livestock sector a strong economic driver.