Fund livestock farming, expert tasks govt
From Akinnodi Francis, Ore
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An agric expert, Chief Michael Olanrewaju has called on the Federal Government and relevant stakeholders to adequately fund livestock farming to boost nutrition in the country.
Olanrewaju, who is a retired Agric officer from Ondo State Ministry of Agriculture made the appeal in an interview with The Hope on Monday in Ore, headquarters of Odigbo local government.
According to him, livestock farming should move from the present traditional system where animals fend for themselves through housing to a technology and business oriented production system.
He said despite the resources at their disposal, the Nigerian livestock industry was still in a pitiable state and need urgent attention to be able to boost food production in the country.
“The livestock industry requires an urgent attention if the country is to be self-sufficient in animal protein and to ensure that all eats.
“Every community should set aside areas within their communities for livestock rearing and farming.
“Livestock farming must gradually move from the present traditional system to a technology and business-oriented production system,” he said.
He added that government at all levels should also sensitise the citizens to establish cottage industries that would process livestock products into other food items and industrial raw materials.
“There is need for an inter-disciplinary approach such that veterinarians, crop producers, government and royal fathers to be mobilised for the development of livestock industry in Nigeria.
“Government should also ensure that security operations are strengthened in farming communities to enable farmers harvest their products as and when due”.
