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Tag: livestock

  • Fed Govt eyes N2 trillion from livestock

    The Federal Government yesterday said its National Livestock Transformation Plan (NLTP) is eyeing N2 trillion into the livestock sector.

    It also said the plan will check the clashes between farmers and herders in the country.

    It took the decision following the consideration and approval of a memo presented by the Minister of Agriculture, Audu Ogbeh to NEC.

    The National Economic Council (NEC) meeting chaired by Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo, approved the NLTP.

    Kebbi State Governor, Atiku Bagudu, while briefing State House correspondents at the end of the meeting, said the livestock development plan would attracts N2 trillion into the livestock sector.

    According to him, the Council approved the plan because of the importance of livestock as an economic activity.

    He said: “NLTP has been backed up with the ECOWAS (Economic Community of West African States) Heads of state and government approval since 2005, because whatever we are doing in the livestock sector must incorporate the ECOWAS protocol, otherwise whatever success  that is recorded in Nigeria can be complicated by the ECOWAS arrangement that we are part of.

    “NLTP,  is about creating condition to launch the peaceful transformation of the Nigerian livestock ecosystem to add atleast N2 trillion to the economy.”

    He said current policies and strategic intention at both national and state levels are to improve livestock production, which have been hampered by many obstacles.

    Read also: Don’t renew BEDC’s licence, Oba Ewuare II tells Buhari

    The obstacles, he said, included limited knowledge of Nigerian livestock asset by size, locations, water and insecurity.

    He said: “The approach is to invest in the livestock sector to provide ranches, mitigating the escalating crisis between pastoralists and farmers.

    “The strategy would be supported by the development of an implementation plan which Mr. President had already approved, that provides a guiding framework to states for implementing NLTP which will be implemented in phases.“

    The governor also gave the balance in the federation accounts as at December 31, 2018 to include the Excess Crude stands at $497,864,626.08, Stabilisation Account stands at N29,672,829,101.47, and Natural Resources Development Fund stands at N135,476,046,912.57.

     

  • Eid-el-Kabir: Epe residents lament high cost of livestock

    As Nigerians prepare for next week’s celebration of Ei-el-Kabir, the residents of Epe in Lagos State have lamented the high cost of livestock.

    A check by our Correspondents shows that while livestock sellers have decried low patronage, customers on the other hand say the cost is high.

    Read Also:Eid-el-Kabir: Don’t increase rams’ prices, cleric urges traders

    Though the livestock are available at the popular ram markets at the Oke-Oyinbo and T-Junction in Epe respectively, sellers are complaining of low patronage.

    Mr Waheed Alaka, a buyer at T Junction Cattle Market, expressed his displeasure over the ridiculous prices of ram this year.

    Alake, who said that Muslims this time last year had started, buying, rams and keeping in their homes for the Sallah celebration, however, noted that the reverse was the case this year.

    “There are lots of livestock available for sale but because of high cost, there is low turnout of buyers.

    “I wish as Sallah draws closer, the sellers will reduce their prices,” he said.

    Another buyer, Saheed Lawal, expressed optimism of a reduction in the cost of ram when more rams flood the markets in days to come.

    “The competition is low for now. By the time more livestock dealers bring more rams to the community, I believe the prices will fall,” he said.

    Yet another customer, Mr Kabiru Hassan, said that the size of a cow that sold for N120,000 last year, now sells for as much as N180,000.

    “I came to the market to buy one cow and two rams. But unfortunately, the money I have can only afford one cow.

    “I wish something urgent can be done to regulate the prices of livestock in the market,” he said.

    Mrs. Toyin Aladesanmi, a buyer, who expressed her disappointment at the astronomic price of rams at Oke-Oyinbo livesstocks market, saying the market, had been highly recommended because of its relative cheap prices.

    “A friend of mine recommends this market to me. That live stocks are relatively cheaper here but on getting here, it is another ball game entirely.

    “As you can see the size of the ram I have just purchased for N75, 000, the same size sold for N50, 000 last year.

    The Chairman, Cattle Dealers Association at Oke-Oyinbo Market, Alhaji Abubakar Danyaro, attributed the high cost of livestock to the current economic hardship in the country.

    According to him, the small, average and big rams this year are selling at N70,000, N80,000 and N110,000 respectively, as against N50,000, N55,000 and N75,000, they sold for the previous year.”

    He adduced reasons for the hike in the prices of ram to the flooding that affected livestock in some parts of northern Nigeria.

    “We too buy the livestock from the farmers in the North. The amount we buy them determines the amount we sell and vice versa.

    “We incur lots of expenses and we have to add it to the price of the rams. Transportation cost and others are not friendly too,” he said.

    He said that a cow that used to sell for N130, 000, now sells for between N150, 000 and N170, 000.

    He added that many of the livestock are brought from Niger Republic.

    “People are complaining of the hike in price, but they must understand that we didn’t buy them cheap.

    “So, there is nothing we can do but pray that things improve in the coming days,’’ he said.‎

     

  • Livestock fair holds in Ibadan

    The Nigeria International Poultry and Livestock (NIPOLI) Expo is to hold its second exhibition next month.

    With the theme: “Sustainable livestock management for food security in West Africa,” the event is scheduled to commence from Wednesday, April 4 to 6, 2018 at the International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan.

    Attendance for the event is free for poultry, fishery, dairy, sheep, and  livestock farmers and agripreneur.

    The first edition of the exhibition was held in Lagos and it attracted 76 exhibiting companies from more than 9 countries and regions.

    Speaking on the event, NIPOLI’s Operations Manager, Yekeen Kazeem said: “Having experienced successful first edition in 2017, NIPOLI EXPO has become largest Poultry and Livestock exhibition in West Africa and approved event by relevant Government departments, association and NGOs. This is an event where there will be a collaboration between the Nigerian livestock and poultry industry and foreign poultry and livestock Companies from eight countries.

  • Agric. initiative boss commends Katsina Govt.

    Agric. initiative boss commends Katsina Govt.

    Dr Ahmed Ingawa, the Chairman, Technical Committee on Songhai Agricultural Initiative in Katsina State, has commended the Katsina State Government for the prompt release of funds for the project.

    Ingawa gave the commendation in an interview in Ingawa, Katsina State, on Tuesday.

    He said that the state government had released N103 million out of the N450 million earmarked to finance the project in the 2018 budget.

    He said that with the prompt release of funds, the committee had trained 60 indigent youths on skills such as fabrication of farm machinery, juice production, bread and biscuit making and production of bottled water.

    He said that they also received training on crop, livestock, fishery and poultry production.

    Read also: Centre trains 180 youths on vocational skills in Katsina

    “We placed them on monthly allowance of N10,000 each. They were trained for six months at Porto-Novo, Benin Republic, last year.”

    He said his committee had also established a Songhai Training Centre in Dutsin-Ma local government area to continue the training of the unemployed youths on various skills.

    The chairman said that his office was considering the possibility of establishing additional centres across the three senatorial zones, to expand the scope as well as increase access to training.

    He lauded Gov. Aminu Masari for promoting agriculture through timely provision of fertilizer and the revival of irrigation farming.

    According to him, the Masari government is committing N400 million to the rehabilitation of Dabiram Water Dam in Daura local government area.

    He said that the agricultural initiatives of the state government were in consonance with the Federal Government’s drive towards diversifying the nation’s economy.

    Ingawa, therefore, urged the people to support the Masari administration to achieve socio-economic development of the state.

    NAN

  • Kebbi explores improved livestock breeding

    Kebbi explores improved livestock breeding

    •As governor visits FrieslandCampina WAMCO

    Kebbi State Governor Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu has paid a visit to dairy giant FrieslandCampina WAMCO, makers of Peak and Three Crowns milk, to explore the potential for livestock breeding, local milk sourcing and development.

    The exploratory visit, during the week, was aimed at boosting the state’s revenue drive and the livelihood of farmers in Kebbi State.

    During the visit, governor Bagudu received insight into the company’s operations through a tour of factory facilities and dairy development sites in Oyo State.

    He was also briefed on the company’s key dairy development activities including artificial insemination, cattle feeding and breeding for high yield milk quantities.

    The Managing Director, FrieslandCampina WAMCO, Mr.Ben Langat, who welcomed the governor, said the governor’s visit underscored the company’s objective of ensuring best dairy farming practices that guarantee the flow of good quality milk from grass to glass.

    “FrieslandCampina WAMCO is honoured to share and support Kebbi State to replicate our tried and tested Dairy Development Programme (DDP) model that enables small scale dairy farmers to improve the quality and yield of their milk production and earn reasonable income.

    ”Partnerships such as this with Kebbi State will go a long way to strengthen dairy development in Nigeria” Langat said.

    Responding, Bagudu praised FrieslandCampina WAMCO for her commitment in leading dairy development in Nigeria.

    He said: “We are seeking to modernise the agricultural sector as this will help to solve many national issues. We need WAMCO’s intervention to demonstrate what can work for our farmers in Kebbi.

    “That is why we are here. The Federal Government has actually spearheaded a number of programmes in the country to boost agriculture, so that as a nation, we produce what we eat and eat what we produce.”

    The visiting team from Kebbi State included Bagudu; the Permanent Secretary, Animal Health, Dr. Usman Shehu Umar; Mallam Bello Ahmed Jega, the Director, Livestock Services, Ministry of Animal Health, Mallam Bello Ahmed Jega; and Special Adviser to His Excellency on Agricultural Activity, Hon. Usman Balkore.

    Langat received the Kebbi State delegation in company of the Corporate Affairs Director, Mrs. Ore Famurewa; Operations Director, Mr. Doyin Ashiru; and Dairy Development Manager, Mr. Adekunle Olayiwola John.

    Preparatory to such strategic partnerships with states, FrieslandCampina’s Global CEO Roelof Joosten visited President Muhammadu Buhari at the Presidential Villa in Abuja last year.

    The purpose was to discuss the company’s commitment to improving Nigeria’s dairy sector through its unique sustainable DDP backed by technical expertise from The Netherlands.

    FrieslandCampina WAMCO’s DPP started in August 2010, with the company signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development in April 2011.

    The MoU was renewed in June 2016. ”We are unwavering and remain committed to supporting local farmers and leading dairy development in Nigeria,” Famurewa said.

  • Don backs national livestock census

    Don backs national livestock census

    Nigerian Institute of Animal Science Registrar Prof Eustace Iyayi has called for a national-level livestock census.

    The census, he said, will help the government to decide which areas it needs to focus on to improve livestock population.

    Nigeria, according to Iyayi, has enormous and diverse animal wealth generating opportunities for millions, adding that investment in animal wealth can contribute to income growth.

    Through data collection, he said,  the government will be able to  prove figures on animals and livestock products.

    The government, he said, will be able to gather correct data for drawing policies on the country’s food security and poverty alleviation, livestock breeding and veterinary plans.

    According to the Dean, School of Science and Technology, Babcock University, Ilishan-Remo, Ogun State, Prof. Dele Fapohunda, a national livestock census  will support the government’s effort towards achieving sustainable development of the  agric sector, by providing materials to assist  in  the formulation  and implementation  schemes  that meet the local needs of  farmers.

    Fapohunda said the statistics would also help the government in areas where stocking and restocking are required as well as help the government to decide which areas it needs to focus on to improve the livestock population. Fapohunda  said the census will help the government to estimate the population of livestock in the country, stressing the need to collect data on livestock loss due to the sudden outbreak of diseases.

    To experts, the lack of livestock census has caused a gap between the government calculated livestock data and the actual livestock figure.

    In some countries, livestock survey is carried out every 10 years. It is used as a projection and planning tool for the sector, which has continued to use estimations for available livestock in the country.

  • FCT vaccinates 20,000 livestock

    In a bid to boost activities in the livestock industry and ensure sanity in the handling of animal products in the Territory, the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has successfully vaccinated over 20,000 livestock in the Territory.

    Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Malam Muhammad Bello disclosed this during the national conference on the transformation of the Nigerian livestock industry.

    He said, “Recently more than 20,000 livestock were vaccinated in a two-week intensive campaign carried out by the FCT Agricultural and Rural Development Secretariat. Also, the Administration has successfully combated diseases such as Bird Flu and Army Worms.”

    Bello who was represented at the occasion by FCT Permanent Secretary, Mr. Christian Chinyeaka Ohaa further revealed that the Administration is collaborating with the Cattle Breeders in the Territory to fashion out cutting-edge solutions to the challenge of cattle rustling and illegal grazing in the city.

    The Minister in a statment issued by the Press Secretary, Permanent Secretary’s Office, Tony Odey said that as part of efforts aimed at mitigating the challenge of illegal grazing in the Territory, the Administration had already constituted a high-powered ministerial committee to fast-track the development of the four grazing reserves provided in the FCT Master Plan.

    The minister said, “The FCT Administration has proactively set up a Ministerial Committee on the development of the 4 Grazing Reserves provided for in the FCT Master Plan. Furthermore, discussion is on with Danish Company for the development of the Paikon Kore Grazing Reserve into a world class reserve as a model while provision has been made for adequate compensation to the affected farmers.”

    Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Chief Audu Ogbe said the conference is apt and expressed hope that it will address all the aspects of solutions required in the enhancement of livestock industry.

    Chief Ogbe further explained that President Muhammadu Buhari led government is making serious efforts to ensure that the livestock industry becomes the mainstay of the nation’s economy.

    Senate Committee Chairman on Agriculture, Senator Abdullahi Adamu who also spoke during the event canvassed for policies and programmes aim at promoting the livestock industry.

  • Kebbi to export rice, livestock

    Kebbi State Govenor Atiku Bagudu has said the state will produce rice and livestock in commercial quantities for export to earn foreign exchange.

    Bagudu stated this yesterday when he received a team of agricultural experts from the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Ibadan, Oyo State.

    According to him, the state recorded a 300 per cent increase in rice and wheat production. It is second to Yobe in livestock production.

    Bagudu called on international research organisations to make a critical assessment of the agricultural policy of his administration, which is aimed at developing the state’s agricultural potential.

    The governor also appealed to IITA to provide research outlets in the state to boost farmers’ capability in grains production and processing. He said the state also had great potential in the production of groundnut, soya beans, cowpeas, sesame seeds, banana, cocoyam, yam, millet, bambara nut, sugarcane, guinea-corn, cassava and ginger.

    Leader of the IITA team Dr Kenton Dashiell said the institute was recognised globally as a centre of excellence for agricultural research and resources.

    According to him, the team was on a research mission to the state to learn about its agricultural potential, especially in soya beans, since the state is a specialist in soya bean cultivation.

    State Chairman of Rice Farmers Association (AFAN) Sahabi Augie said the association would partner IITA to boost rice production.

    He appealed to the institute to assist farmers by supplying them with improved rice seedlings.

  • FAO’s confab on livestock coming

    As part of the efforts to finding lasting solution to the farmer/herdsmen crisis in the country, the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) has proposed to convene a national conference on livestock development in Nigeria.

    The conference, according to FAO’s new Country Representative for Nigeria, Mr. Suffyan Koroma, will help the country to improve the utilisation of grazing reserve and also commercialised stock production.

    Koroma spoke in Abuja yesterday when he submitted his credentials to the Foreign Affairs Minister, Geoffrey Onyeama.

    The outcome of the conference,  he assured will provide lasting solutions to the problems of grazing in the country.

    “Our support to improve the utilisation of grazing reserves and stock routes to mitigate conflicts and promote commercialised stock production has led to calls for a national conference on livestock development, which is expected to come up with comprehensive recommendation to address all issues. This will happen sometime this month,” Koroma said.

    According to him, FAO has recorded significant impact in the implementation of its country programme for Nigeria in five broad priority areas.

  • Fayose suspends four for ‘misuse of livestock pens’

    Fayose suspends four for ‘misuse of livestock pens’

    Ekiti State Governor Ayo Fayose has suspended four government officials for allegedly mismanag ing state-owned Broiler Processing Facility in Erifun, Ado-Ekiti and livestock pens.

    He set up a panel to look into the activities of the officials and how they managed government utilities.

    In a statement yesterday by the Chief Press Secretary, Idowu Adelusi, Fayose gave the directive when he visited the broiler processing facility and the livestock pens.

    The governor lamented that barely three years after the inauguration of the facility, the cooling system and the generator had been vandalised.

    He condemned the poor attitude of the officers in charge of the place and ordered their suspension.

    Fayose was angry the pens were given out to individuals, who remit nothing to government’s coffers.

    “This is a bad attitude we must stop. Public facilities are provided through the use of pubic funds and must be used judiciously. Imagine a place built and inaugurated about three years ago being in this sorry state.”