By Emmanuel Oluwakorede
The Kogi State Coordinating Office of Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support (L-PRES) has distributed pasture seeds and fodder choppers to 210 and 30 livestock farmers
The State Project Coordinator, Dr. Olufemi Bolarin while speaking during the distribution of the items at the L-PRES Office said the move was part of effort of the State to curtail Farmers-Herders Clashes.
According to him: “The end result of this move is to curb farmers-herder conflicts in our state. The distribution of pasture seeds and fodder choppers to 210 and 30 farmers, respectively, is coming at a time when our nation is faced with the issue of the farmer-herder crisis.
“We can all see the prices of food materials in the market. It is a result of farmer-herders crisis. By the time we minimise it, it will enhance food security. It is a known fact that if farmers are free to go to their farms, there will be an increase in productivity and there will be food on our table.”
The L-PRES State Coordinator stated that the items if properly utilized, will enhance production of healthy livestocks products for the State and the country at large.
“These fodder choppers are more than just tools. They represent an investment in farmers’ success. Over time, they will erase the need for open grazing as feed availability for livestock will be met. It will significantly reduce the time and effort required for feed preparation, allowing farmers to dedicate more resources to animal care and farm management.
Additionally, the Brachiaria grass provides a high-quality, nutritious feed source that will contribute to healthier livestock and, ultimately, increased beef and dairy yields,” Dr. Bolarin added.
He commended Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for his commitment to ensuring food security in Kogi State, he warned the beneficiaries not to sell the items given to them.
The State Project Coordinator added that the Coordinating Office is working with Agro-Rangers, a unit in the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps to arrest those who sell the items.
In his keynote address, the Commissioner of Agriculture and Food Security, Hon Timothy Ojomah, represented by the acting Permanent Secretary, Jonah Enehi congratulated the beneficiaries and charged Livestock farmers to work harder towards making Kogi State take the lead in Livestock production in the country.
On his part, the State Chairman All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), Salihu Adobayin lauded the effort of Kogi L-PRES in boosting livestock farming in the State.
Responding on behalf of the beneficiaries, Abubakar Bello from Ajaokuta Local Government said the items have brought relief as it will enhance livestock farming in Kogi State.
