Adopt ranching, modern livestock farming, FG urges pastoralists

The Federal Government has urged pastoralists across the country to adopt sedentary livestock production to improve breeds, pasture development and livestock management. The Minister of Livestock Development, Dr Idi Maiha, made the call during an interactive session with the Miyetti-Allah Fulaku Yeso Yeso Development Association on Thursday in Abuja. Maiha identified sedentarisation and modernisation of […]

The Federal Government has urged pastoralists across the country to adopt sedentary livestock production to improve breeds, pasture development and livestock management.

The Minister of Livestock Development, Dr Idi Maiha, made the call during an interactive session with the Miyetti-Allah Fulaku Yeso Yeso Development Association on Thursday in Abuja.

Maiha identified sedentarisation and modernisation of livestock production as key priorities of the ministry in reforming the livestock sector.

He, however, frowned at the continued migration of livestock in search of pasture and water, describing the practice as no longer feasible or profitable.

According to him, population growth, expansion of crop cultivation and climate change have made open grazing increasingly difficult.

“Natural grasslands are no longer readily available and animals are highly malnourished in many parts of the country. Adoption of sedentary livestock production is essential and must be embraced by pastoralists,” he said.

The minister disclosed that the Federal Government planned to develop 417 grazing reserves nationwide to encourage pastoralists to settle and adopt modern livestock production practices.

He urged pastoralist organisations to sensitise their members on the need to embrace reforms in the sector, including pasture cultivation, breed improvement, animal identification and ranching.

Maiha described ranching as a system of livestock production carried out within a defined land area, adding that its adoption would help promote peaceful coexistence between farmers and herders.

“Pastoralists can acquire land within grazing reserves for ranching purposes. These can be individual or community ranches where livestock production takes place within designated grazing areas.

“The ministry is currently working with state governments to develop grazing reserves with adequate feed, veterinary services and water supply,” he said.

Earlier, the National President of MAFYDA, Alhaji Abubakar Suleiman, appealed for government support for the creation of modern grazing reserves.

According to him, improved grazing facilities would reduce the movement of livestock and help minimise farmer-herder conflicts. (NAN)