L-PRESS distributes inputs, feed processors to livestock farmers in Zamfara
L-PRESS distributes inputs, feed processors to livestock farmers in Zamfara
Livestock
By Sadiq Martins, Gusau
The Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support Project, L-PRESS has distributed livestock production inputs and feed-processors to farmers’ unions and clusters in Zamfara.
The intervention included livestock feed-processors and improved pasture seeds.
Speaking at the event in Gusau, the L-PRESS Animal Health Officer in Zamfara, Dr Mukhtar Anka, said the equipment and seeds would boost animal productivity and address challenges faced by livestock farmers in accessing animal feed.
He said the intervention is designed to improve livestock productivity by supporting farmers with the necessary equipment and inputs.
Anka explained that the equipment included crushers, choppers, grinders and pellet machines, as well as improved pasture seeds meant to improve livestock production in the state.
According to him, more than 40 livestock unions and several farmer- clusters across the state would benefit from the intervention.
He listed some of the benefiting clusters to include Bulunku, Daza, Gidandutsi, and Kuraji, where large numbers of livestock farmers are concentrated.
Anka said L-PRESS would distribute 100 crushers, 100 choppers, 50 grinders and 50 pellet machines to the beneficiaries.
He said that more than 1,000 sacks of improved pasture seeds, including Brachiaria, Mucuna and Lablab varieties, would also be distributed to the farmers.
The Animal Health Officer urged beneficiaries to use the items judiciously to improve livestock productivity.
He, however, warned the beneficiaries against selling the equipment and the farm inputs.
Anka said beneficiaries had been trained on the proper utilisation of the intervention equipment, adding that they would be monitored to assess the impact of the support.
He noted that the intervention, supported by the World Bank, was meant to improve livestock production, urging benefiting farmers to make effective use of the facilities to grow the state’s livestock sector.
Also Speaking, the Provost of the College of Agriculture and Technology, Bakura, Nasiru Nuhu, described the livestock feed-processing machines provided by L-PRESS as a timely intervention that would support agricultural education and livestock production in the State.
The Provost said that the institution would use the machines for research, practical demonstrations and training of students on modern methods of livestock feed processing.
Nuhu said the college received a grinder, crusher and chopper, which would be used to process various agricultural crops and preserve livestock feed for use during the dry season.
Earlier, the Financial Secretary of the National Association of Cattle Dealers, Processors and Marketers of Nigeria, Zamfara Chapter, Bilyaminu Fawa, commended L-PRESS for providing livestock processing and feed-production equipment to farmers and other livestock stakeholders in the state.
Fawa said the intervention would benefit cattle dealers, processors, livestock farmers and butchers involved in the livestock value chain.
He lauded L-PRESS for the various interventions, noting that the project had implemented several initiatives aimed at supporting livestock farmers in Zamfara.
He listed some of the interventions to include the renovation of abattoirs, construction of ranches and support for cattle markets across the state.
The Financial Secretary said the latest provision of equipment, including grass choppers, grinders and crushers, would further support livestock production and improve access to animal feed.
A cross section of beneficiaries Commended L-PRESS for the intervention saying it would boost their businesses.
The L-PRESS is a six-year World Bank-supported project being implemented across 20 Nigerian states to transform the livestock sector.
The project aims to improve productivity, resilience, commercialisation and the capacity of institutions serving livestock farmers.END
