Nigerian government trains Farmers on Low Cost Animal Feed Production

The federal government of Nigeria has organized a training for livestock farmers on low cost feed production, saying animal feed (food) constitutes about 70 per cent of the cost of livestock production.

This was made known by Mrs Winnie Lai- Solarin, Director, Animal Husbandry Services, of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, while speaking on the sideline of a training for farmers on utilization of low grade grain, in Abuja.

According to her, the training on low cost feed production, through the use of alternative feed ingredients was essential to reduce the cost of the production of livestock, while increasing their profits.

She said, “The initiative will also reduce the rate of competition between man and animal for conventional feed ingredients, thereby uplifting their businesses as feed millers and livestock farmers. The Silage making and utilization was one of such knowledge that could make a difference.

“As we know, there is a low production capacity of most feed mills in the country. This is mainly due to scarcity and high cost of feed ingredients.

“Many farmers have been thrown out of business, and some are involved in many sharp practices that undermine the effectiveness of their activities on the environment.
“The ministry is aware of the plight of farmers, especially livestock farmers and is determined to support them to improve their production process to achieve feed and food security,” Lai- Solarin added.

Speaking further, she noted that subsidizing the cost of feed production, will not only increase farmers’ profit but also sustain their interest.

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Lucy Offoboche / Agro Nigeria