The Federal Government on Monday inaugurated the National Livestock Breed Improvement Programme with the aim of curbing incessant clashes between farmers and herders across the country.
It said the programme would also address the development and transformation of the livestock value chain in the agricultural sector.
Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Sabo Nanono, who inaugurated the programme in Kano, said the NALBIP would improve the genetic makeup of the indigenous breeds of animals, especially dairy cattle to achieve increased milk and meat yields.
In his speech at the programme, which was made available to our correspondent, Nanono said, “The programme will improve the livelihood of the pastoral communities and other livestock farmers.
“It will support the ministry in addressing the challenges in the livestock value chain particularly, the incessant herders/crop farmers conflict.”
On her part, the Director, Animal Husbandry Department in the agriculture ministry, Winnie Lai- Solarin, said the programme was part of the National Livestock Transformation Plan of the Federal Government of Nigeria.
She said animal agriculture plays a significant role in the country’s agro-economy and contributes to the qualitative nutrition of the citizenry, job creation and the food security status of Nigeria.
-Punch