By Terna Chikpa, Jalingo
Taraba State Coordinator, Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support (L-PRES), Mr Hananiah Albert, on Wednesday said 40,000 indigenes of state are to benefit from the federal government livestock initiative.
He also announced that 1.43 million Nigerians are to benefit from the programme, while 30 per cent beneficiaries are targeted to be women.
Albert disclosed this during the inauguration of the Taraba State Steering Committee (SSC), and the State Technical Committee (STC) of L-PRES in Jalingo.
According to the Coordinator, the idea was to support livestock farmers and sector operators with extension services, animal health services and investments in infrastructure, such as the construction and rehabilitation of livestock markets, abattoirs and slaughter slabs.
He expressed that the initiative will facilitate the provision of manual and motorised boreholes, installation of weigh bridges and loading ramps in livestock markets, and the establishment of an Artificial Insemination (AI) Centre, among other measures.
“1.43 million Nigerians are to benefit from the federal government ongoing livestock initiative, with 30 per cent beneficiaries targeted to be women
“The deliberate focus on livestock value chains including cattle, sheep, goat, and poultry, due to its advantageous position in the North-East geographical zone, 40,000 people are to benefit from the initiative. Prospective beneficiaries would be ranging from livestock producers, feed suppliers, equipment dealers and marketers, transporters, processors, input suppliers and off-takers.
“The initiative is aim at supporting livestock farmers and sector operators with extension services, animal health services and investments in infrastructure, such as the construction and rehabilitation of livestock markets, abattoirs and slaughter slabs. The initiative will facilitate the provision of manual and motorized boreholes, installation of weigh bridges and loading ramps in livestock markets, and the establishment of an Artificial Insemination (AI) Centre among other measures,” the project state coordinator explained.
Meanwhile, Dr Agbu Kefas, Taraba State Governor, pledged the state government’s support for the committees to ensure a successful implementation of the project.
Kefas who was represented by his deputy, Alhaji Aminu Alkali, expressed that the initiative was a significant step towards fortifying the livestock sector and uplifting communities across Taraba state.
Also, Professor Nicholas Namessan, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, expressed optimism that the project’s potentials would help enhance the livelihoods in both secondary and pastoral communities.
The Commissioner noted that the strategic injections of inputs and support services, championed by the World Bank, are expected to drive positive change in the state’s livestock sector.
