Farmers/Herders Crisis: Kogi Govt. distributes Pasture seeds, fodder choppers to 510 livestock's farmers

In a bid to avert farmers/herders crisis in the State and boost livestock production, the Kogi State Government on Thursday distributed Pasture Seeds and Fodder Choppers to 510 farmers.

Speaking at the occasion, the Kogi State project coordinator, Livestock Productivity and Resilience support, L-PRES project Dr Olufemi Bolarin argued that livestock sector is vital to Nigeria' s socioeconomic development.

He traced the current inflation in the prices of food stuffs in the Country to farmer herders crisis.

"The end result of this is to curb farmers/Herder conflicts in our State. The distribution of Pasture Seeds and Fodder Choppers to 210 and 300 farmers respectively is coming at a time were our nation is face with the issues of farmers/Herder crisis.

"We can all see the prices of food materials in the market. It is as a result of farmer/herders crisis. By the time we minimize it, it will enhance food security. It is a known fact that if farmers are free to go to thier farms, there will be increase in productivity and there will be food on our table. 

"When there is food, agricultural commodities faces what we call inelastic supply price curve. So when they are more in the market, the price will automatically drop. There will be more produce in the market at low price. 

" 42 percent of Nigeria’s population own at least one type of livestock, 30 percent of the population are living directly from livestock production, while an estimated five million people are productively engaged in upstream segments of the livestock value chain. 

"However, one of the challenges increasingly affecting the sector is the continuous decrease of limited natural resources, especially pasture; which has also become a significant source of Framers - Herders crisis in Nigeria. It is in recognition of the sector and need to address its challenges that L-PRES project was launched. 

"The Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support (L-PRES), Project is a World Bank supported initiative with a Project Development Objective (PDO) to improve Productivity, Commercialisation, along the Livestock Value Chain and Build Resilience of targeted livestock farmers and to strengthen the Country’s capacity to respond to any eligible crisis or emergency.

"These fodder choppers are more than just tools. They represent an investment in farmers success. They will overtime, 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" he stated.

While thanking Governor Ododo for his commitment in ensuring food security in Kogi State, he warned the beneficiaries not to sell the items giving to them.

In his address, the Kogi State Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Hon. Timothy Ojoma who was represented by the ministry Permanent Secretary Jonah Enehi charged the beneficiaries and other livestock farmers to double their efforts to make sure Kogi State become the first in the Country in livestock's production.

He noted that the state government is determined to enhance food security in the state.

The Commissioner said the present administration under Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo is concerned about the growth of livestock farmers, assuring that no stone would be left unturned in ensuring that the growth of livestock in the State is enhanced.

Our Kogi State Correspondent, reports that Ojomo maintained that agriculture tops the thematic agenda of Governor Usman Ododo, pointing out that it will would continue to make the agricultural sector- number one in the State.

The Commissioner encouraged livestock farmers and disputing parties to resolve their differences amicably, pointing out that the present administration is committed to ensuring peaceful coexistence between farmers and herders in Kogi State.

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