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The Nigerian Government has inaugurated a model ranching hub project under the National Livestock Transformation Plan (NLTP) in the Awe Local Government Area (LGA) of Nasarawa State.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony in Awe LGA, President Muhammadu Buhari said the program which is a pilot one would be replicated in other states that have indicated interest.
The President was represented by the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Muhammad-Nanono.
The President explained that his administration has deliberately initiated the NLTP to develop the livestock sub-sector that was not given proper attention in the past.
He said that it was also aimed at ensuring that herders stay in a confide place to develop the economy, with the government providing a necessary environment and support just like it is supporting other sectors.
According to President Buhari, “the program would succeed at the end of the day thereby reducing the increasing farmers/herders crisis and other criminality in the country.
“The ranching project in Awe LGA of Nasarawa State would be on 22,000 hectares of land”. President added
Similarly, the Senior Special Assistant to the president on Agriculture and National Coordinator of NLTP Dr. Andrew Kwasari, said 360 households in Awe were captured in the project.
He said the government would provide technical assistance to the herders and the needed facilities befitting of a modern reaching system.
“What is important is for the herders to know about benefit ranching through practical experience hence the FG decided to test it for the herders to see,” he stated
Nasarawa State Governor Abdullahi Sule said the state has keyed into the initiative of the FG to address the security problems associated with open grazing.
“The program would go a long way toward addressing the crisis in Nasarawa/Benue borders,” Sule said
Sule also called on FG not to relent but to ensure that the program is inaugurated in all the started that have registered.
Governor Abdullahi Sule appealed to other states who are yet to register to do so in the overall interest of the country.
Speaking on behalf of the herders, Chairman, Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria Bala Dabo, expressed gratitude to the President and the state government for making the project a reality.
“The initiative would greatly benefit their people, tackle insecurity and boost the productivity of cattle,” he said
The occasion was attended by Plateau State governor Samuel Lalong, ministers, traditional rulers from the state, government officials, herders among others.
Lateefah Ibrahim
