The Yobe State Government has earmarked N12 billion for the establishment of Integrated Livestock Development (ILDs) centers. The livestock projects, which are to be sited in each of the senatorial districts, are the Federal and State Governments’ integrated livestock development program. Speaking yesterday (Tuesday) on the livestock projects in Damaturu, the state capital, the Manager of the State’s Pilot Livestock Development Program, Dr. Idrissa Madaki, disclosed: “The livestock development program is aimed at increasing the value chain in livestock production and distribution.”
He said that the centres will have veterinary clinics, administrative blocks, boreholes, milking points and artificial insemination units. Other livestock facilities to be installed at the centers, include the provision of warehouses, fishponds, staff and farmers training centers. According to him, the livestock products to be produced at the centres; include beef, dairy, hides and skin, as well as curbing farmers/herders clashes across the state. He added that besides the products, the three centers would be provided with infrastructural facilities, schools and skills acquisition centers. He noted that the establishment of schools at the centres; could increase nomadic girl child education in the 17 councils.
Continuing, he added: “Research has also indicated that if a cow is settled in one place without loitering, it can give birth to one calf a year; as against three calves in about six years. ”Domesticated animals are healthier than strayed animals; because they are well fed with nutritious diets.” He further disclosed that the State Government also designated three grazing reserves at Badegana, Gurjaji and Jakusko-Nasaru for the implementation of livestock projects. “Any resident of Yobe can go in and settle with cattle, sheep and goats,” he said; adding that; as improved seeds and land are to be provided to farmers to grow pastures for the livestock.
