By; ISAAC ODEH, Kaduna
The Kaduna State Government has commissioned Livestock Development Project (L-PRES) office to increase livestock production and reduce farmers-herders conflict in the state.
Murtala Dabo, Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources, said this on Thursday, during the inauguration of the office of L-PRES in Kaduna.
He said the inauguration of the office is part of the state government’s commitment towards the health and welfare of livestock population in line with global best practices.
He said the goal of the project is to improve livestock productivity, resilience and commercialisation of value chain, as well as increase the state’s capacity to respond to emergencies in the livestock industry.
Dabo also said the project aimed at tackling the frequent clashes between farmers and herdsmen by focusing on conflict management towards finding a lasting solution to the problem.
He said the state is successful in widespread vaccination of livestock against transboundary diseases, hence the need to key into the project.
According to him, the livestock market is a huge business, particularly for meat and dairy products, that could generate revenue and create employment for youth in the state.
In his opening remarks, Dr. Shittu Hashim, State Project Coordinator L-PRES, said the project is a six-year initiative of the World Bank and the state government to improve livestock productivity.
He said the office is part of the state government’s contribution to fast track the implementation of the project.
Hashim said the project was designed to address the challenges associated with livestock production, including lack of access to grazing areas, water drinking points, rustling and transboundary diseases.
He said the state would key into the cattle, poultry, sheep and goat value chain.
