The Federal Government, through the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, in collaboration with the Yobe State Government, has begun the construction of three livestock development centres one in each of the senatorial zones of the state. They include Jakusko/Nasari grazing reserve with 49,600 ha, Badegana 190,000 ha and Gurjaje, 93, 000 ha; all gazetted.

Yobe State Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources, Dr Mairo Ahmed Amshi made this known on Saturday in a chat with reporters in Damaturu, the state capital.

Dr Amshi said the reason for establishing the centres was to provide security, minimise herders movement from one place to another, farmers’-herders’ conflicts, improve livestock value chain, dairy industry and revenue generation for the state.

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She stated that the state government has already provided some structures such as boreholes, earth-dams, veterinary clinic, dispensary, primary schools for herders’ children, feedlot, feed mill, artificial insemination centres, fish ponds, herders’ settlements, milk collection centres, access road, and electricity, among others.

Amshi further revealed that the Ahmadu Bello University Zaria, in collaboration with the state government, has established the National Animal Production Research Institute (NAPRI) Northeast out-reach station at Damaturu as well as secured approval from the Federal Government to participate in Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support Program (L-Pres programme).

“The Yobe State Government also has livestock investigation and breeding centre located in Nguru. The state has expressed interest in the livestock breed improvement programme. These are all aimed at enhancing livestock and livestock product production,” she said.