The government has set aside N12 billion for the establishment of three integrated livestock development centres in the three senatorial districts of Yobe state, this is a joint effort by the Yobe state government and the Federal government of Nigeria.
This was disclosed by Dr Idrissa Madaki, Manager, Yobe Pilot Livestock Development Programme, in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria in Damaturu on Monday.
Madaki said the programme is aimed at increasing the value chain in livestock products such as beef, dairy, hides and skin; curb farmers and herders clashes; provide basic infrastructure such as clinics, skill acquisition centres, schools to increase nomadic girl child education, among others.
“It will also minimise farmer/herder clashes. Research has also shown that if a cow is settled in one place, it can give birth to one calf every year as against one calf in about three years.
”Domesticated animals are healthier than stray animals because they are well fed with a nutritious diet,” Madaki said.
The manager said the state government designated three grazing reserves of Badegana, Gurjaji and Jakusko-Nasaru for the project.
He said that the centres would have veterinary clinics, administrative blocks, boreholes, milking points, schools, artificial insemination units, warehouses, fishponds, staff and farmers training sections.
“The centres are not only for the Fulanis. Any resident of Yobe can go in and settle with his cattle, sheep and even goats.
“We are going to provide land and improved seeds to farmers for pasture development.
“With this, we are creating a symbiotic relationship in which a farmer can cultivate pasture and sell to herdsmen,” Madaki added.
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