Taraba unveils livestock project, builds AI centre

The Taraba State Government has unveiled projects for livestock development.  Under the project, an artificial insemination centre was built and equipped to enhance the production of cows, goats and other animals. Similarly, an animal disease surveillance laboratory and solar-powered cold chain and a milk cooling van were also provided, all at the Veterinary Hospital, Jalingo. […]

The Taraba State Government has unveiled projects for livestock development.

 Under the project, an artificial insemination centre was built and equipped to enhance the production of cows, goats and other animals.

Similarly, an animal disease surveillance laboratory and solar-powered cold chain and a milk cooling van were also provided, all at the Veterinary Hospital, Jalingo.

The state commissioner for agriculture and food security, Professor Nicholas Oliver, said the project was a vital investment aimed at strengthening animal health systems that would enhance livestock productivity across the state.

“This programme reflects the strong commitment of the Taraba State Government to transform the livestock sector as a critical component of food security, economic growth and sustainable livelihood,” he said.

Professor Nicholas explained further that the project also supported the one health approach, ensuring that animal health interventions contribute positively to public health and environmental sustainability.

The government, under the project, also distributed 200 fodder choppers and 30 motorcycles to livestock farmers.

“Distribution of these facilities to the livestock farmers demonstrate the resolve of the Taraba State Government to address practical challenges faced by livestock farmers and extension service providers 

“The facilities will improve animals feed processing and enhance mobility and translate into better advisory services, increased productivity and improved income for our farmers,” the commissioner added.

In his address, Mr Hananiah Albert, the coordinator, Taraba State Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support project, said huge investments were made in key priority livestock value chains across the 16 local government areas of the state.

He also disclosed that the artificial insemination centre would support genetic improvement, enhance livestock productivity and promote modern, sustainable breeding practices in the state.

He said the milk cooling van provided would reduce post-harvest losses, improve milk quality and support dairy value chain development by ensuring safe and timely transportation of fresh milk to consumers.

“I wish to inform livestock farmers and the general public that the three critical facilities are located within the veterinary hospital premises,” he said, adding that the Taraba State Government would soon enter into a memorandum of understanding under a private-public partnership arrangement.