The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development took a significant step towards alleviating the challenges faced by livestock farmers affected by the 2022 floods in Taraba.
In a proactive move to support the recovery of these farmers, the ministry distributed relief materials worth millions of naira to over 300 livestock farmers.
The distribution was officially launched in Jalingo, the capital of Taraba state recently.
During the event, Mrs. Winnie Lai-Solarin, Director of the Department of Animal Husbandry Services, underscored the federal government’s recognition of the crucial role played by livestock farmers in sustaining the country’s food security value chain.
Mrs. Lai-Solarin detailed the relief efforts, explaining that the ministry provided the affected farmers with 600 bags of livestock pasture seeds for cultivating improved grass and another 600 bags of nutrition cake.
These materials were provided with the aim of enhancing the quality and quantity of beef and dairy products originating from the farmers’ holdings.
She highlighted the broader vision of the ministry, which aims to mitigate longstanding conflicts between livestock and crop farmers by fostering improved practices.
Mrs. Lai-Solarin emphasized that the cultivation and promotion of improved grasses, such as Gamba grass and andropogon seeds, as well as the production of protein-rich cake for the animals, would contribute to reducing the frequent movement of livestock in search of pasture.
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In her address, Mrs. Lai-Solarin reassured the farmers of the government’s continuous support, emphasizing the importance of their roles within the food security value chain.
This initiative not only aids the affected farmers but also contributes to the overall resilience of the livestock sector in the country.
During the event, Mr. Sale Pavali, the Permanent Secretary of the Taraba State Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, expressed gratitude for the intervention of the federal government.
He recalled the severe flooding that impacted not only crops but also various livestock categories across multiple local government areas in Taraba.
Mr. Pavali acknowledged the importance of this support and shared that the Taraba State Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security is exploring an enhanced partnership with the Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support Project. This collaboration aims to further improve the livestock sector within the state.
Hajiya Aishatu Ardo, a beneficiary of the relief efforts and Chief Executive of Ardo Yahya Global Ventures, spoke on behalf of fellow farmers.
She conveyed appreciation for the timely intervention by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, assuring that the support would be effectively utilized to enhance livestock quality on their farms.
Aishatu, who is also the State Chairman of the Fulbe Development and Cultural Organization (FUDECO), highlighted the positive impact of government attention on the livestock sector.
She predicted that with such support, farmers would be better equipped to elevate the supply of beef and dairy products in Nigerian markets, fostering growth and sustainability in the sector.
