…Calls for sustained dialogue between Farmers/Herders
By Mohammed Abubakar Dutse
The-Chairman of the Presidential in Livestocks Reform Implementation Committee (PLRIC) Prof. Attahiru Jega has called on respective state governments to take a cue from the government at the center by creating a ministry dedicated to production of livestock.
This, he believed would not only ensure the availability of livestock on a sustainable basis, but would increase the intake of protein by Nigerians, thereby improving the lifestyle of Nigerians.
The former chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, spoke while delivering a keynote address at Two-Day Consultative workshop on livestock organized by the Jigawa state Livestock Reform Committee
Jega maintained that contrary to the current practice whereby most state governments subsume livestock production under the ministry of agriculture, it does not make room for adequate production of animals enough to meet national livestock demands.
Noting that the development has led to low livestock production. Quoting the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) 2023 Report, Jega said livestock ranked the lowest, when compared to chicken, goats, sheep and fish.
Other recommendations by Jega included the need for the expansion the scope of the stock of livestock and also improve productive activities of the local resources.
“To that, we urge all the governments to make provisions for the of livestock activities at both at the state and local government levels.
“Besides, there’s the need to strengthen the state and local government multi- disciplinary, multi-ethnic, multi- religious techniques in conflict resolution and peace building mechanism, particularly the co-existence farmers and herders because without peace, all the efforts at expanding and developing the livestock sector will be greatly restrained,” Jega submitted.
Governor Umar Namadi, who addressed the forum highlighted some of the measures his administration had taken to grow the livestock sector, some of which included the Ruminant Livestock Intervention Programme aimed at enhancing the productivity of ruminant livestock through improved breeding, feeding, and healthcare.
Others included “Livestock Breed Improvement Programme under which we commit to introduce superior livestock breeds to improve the genetic quality of our animals, thereby increasing their productivity and market value.Feeds, Fodder & Pasture Development Programme which will focus on the development of high-quality feed, fodder, and pasture to ensure the healthy growth of our livestock.
“Dairy Development Programme under which we aim to revolutionize dairy production in the State by promoting modern dairy farming practices and establishing milk collection and processing centres.Protection and
“Development of Grazing Reserves where we will sustain and improve on ongoing efforts aimed at securing all our reserves for the intended purposes.
“Poultry Development Programme which we would leverage upon to boost poultry production through improved breeds, better management practices, and access to markets.Fisheries
“Development Programme where we are committed to sustained aquaculture support in order to achieve its full potentials as a veritable alternative source of protein which also provides sustainable means of livelihoods for many people.Halal Products Development Hub the pursuit of which will reposition Jigawa State as a hub for the production and export of Halal products, tapping into the growing global demand for Halal-certified goods.
“Livestock Market Development, Processing & Value Addition where we intend to focus on developing livestock markets and promoting value addition to increase the income of farmers and create jobs.
“Strengthening Farmer-Herdsmen Peace & Conflict Resolution Mechanisms under which we will build on our success stories to ensure peaceful coexistence between farmers and herders through dialogue, mediation, and the implementation of conflict resolution mechanisms.
“Ensuring Synergy with all Stakeholder where we will continue to pursue collaborations and partnerships with the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development and other Stakeholders in both the public and private sector to ensure alignment with national policies and programs leveraging on the ever-evolving best practices in livestock development.
“Pursuit of Pragmatic Implementation Strategy to ensure effective execution of all our programmes leveraging on partnerships, technology, and community engagement with robust M & E framework.
“These are the twelve priority focus areas outlined in our Livestock Development Plan all which, we believe, are critical to achieving our goals and vision for the Livestock Sector in Jigawa State.”
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