By Fatima Muraina

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In a bid to ensure transformation of livestock sector for food and nutrition security the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) of the United Nations has declared its support for Ondo state Government to transform livestock sector through feedlot operations.
This would improve intensive crop-livestock integration among farmers and herdsmen.
The Representative of the FAO Mr Fred Kafeero made this known at the official flag off of a three-day training Feedlot/Fattening of Animals held yesterday in Akure.
Kafeero, who spoke through Mrs Adeola Akinrinlola said FAO will support the Ondo state Government to raise technical capacity of investors in livestock to conduct a business oriented livestock production, raise efficient use of feed resource as well as providing technical hydroponics and supervision of installation of infrastructure, construction of feedlot hydroponics fodder production.
” The three-day training will be delivered in thematic modules comprising of a mixture of theoretical presentations, group work and one-day practical simulation sessions”
This he affirmed will be followed with z one -day stakeholders’ planning meeting to design elaborate Unilateral Trust Fund Project proposal.
The State Governor, Arakunrin Oduayo Akeredolu declaring the workshop opened described the Feedlot operational system as a variant of ranching where lifestock are confined for better management, profitability and to mitigate the myraids of problems associated with open grazing of cattles.
Akeredolu who was represented by his Senior Special Assistance on Agric and Agric Business, Mr Akin Olotu listed benefits of Feedlot operational system to include production of healthier animals, employment generation, value addition to the farm product, promotion of peaceful Co-existence among the citizenery, rural and agricultural development and wealth creation among many others.
The administration he said has culminated in the establishment of a number of agro-allied industries for value addition, big Dutchman piggery at Ilutoro in Akure North with its supporting facilities for rearing and meat processing.
” Piggery will soon be commissioned to process pork at commercial scale to markets within and outside the state”