By Bisola Adeyemo
The Federal and Yobe governments have announced the provision of more farmlands and improvement of seeds to farmers for pasture development in the state
Dr Idrissa Madaki, Manager, Yobe Pilot Livestock Development Programme, who disclosed this with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Damaturu on Monday also revealed the provision of N12 billion by the federal and state governments for the establishment of three integrated livestock development centres in the three senatorial districts of the state.
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 girls child education, among others.
Madaki said “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.
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”Domesticated animals are more healthier than stray animals because they are well fed with nutritious diet,” Madaki said.
Badegana, Gurjaji and Jakusko-Nasaru are three grazing reserves by the state government for the project. Madaki added.
Also, Madaki said the three centres would have veterinary clinics, administrative blocks, boreholes, milking points, schools, artificial insemination unit, warehouses, fishponds, staff and farmers training sections.
“The centres are not only for the Fulani. Any resident of Yobe can go in and settle with his cattle, sheep and even goats.
“With this, we are creating a symbiotic relationship in which a farmer can cultivate pasture and sell to herdsmen,” Madaki said.
