The Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Aliyu Sabi-Abdullahi says the livestock sector has the potential to contribute more to Nigeria’s economy if properly harnessed.
Senator Sabi-Abdullahi stated this at the closing ceremony of the second batch on Capacity Building of 100 Extension Agents/Farmers on Small Ruminant Production and Crop Residue Processing for Improved Utilization by Ruminants organized by the Synergy Impact Consultant Limited in Ilorin, the kwara state capital.
The Minister, who was represented by his Special Assistant on Livestock Development, Innovation and Security, Doctor Mustapha Popoola said the livestock sector contributed about seventeen percent of the agricultural Gross Domestic Product and five per cent of the national Gross Domestic Product.
Senator Sabi-Abdullahi explained that the goal of the initiative was to improve productivity in animal production and save costs, appealing to participants to work closely with farmers to improve livestock productivity.
In his remarks, the National Project Coordinator L-PRES Abuja, Mr Sanusi Abubakar said the training is the second phase to bridge the gap between the L-PRES policies and the farmers on how the projects will succeed.
Also speaking, the state Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Mrs Oloruntoyosi Thomas, who was represented by the Director Livestock in the Ministry, Mallam Umar Muhammed Ahmed said training of human capacity is one of the most essential things especially in the production aspect.
In his submission, the Director, Centre For Research and Grant, Bayero University, Kano, Doctor Akeem Ajegbe said the training would go a long way in improving the livelihoods of small ruminant animal farmers in the state.
Earlier, the State Project Coordinator for L-PRES, Mr Olusoji Oyawoye said L-PRES is working assiduously between crop farmers and livestock farmers to curb the crisis among them.
Speaking on behalf of the participants, Shekinat Idris said the training exposed them on how to integrate livestock farming and crop farming together to make maximum use, adding that the impact of the project will go along way in helping state and country at large.
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