By Francis Akinnodi
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The Ondo State Government has expressed its readiness to form a pilot scheme with the Miyetti Allah in the state to boost the business as well as improve productivity.
“Our plan; we would form a cooperative with the Miyetti Allah. I have inform the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and some commercial banks to fund the pilot scheme in collaboration with Food and Agriculture Organization FAO.
“This would boost cow rearing, improve productivity, increase profitability and produce healthy cow for the people.”
According to Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, “The training is a day of mission fulfilled as it represents another milestone in the annals of a people oriented and purpose-driven administration in an effort geared towards creating jobs, ensuring food security, improving the living standard of our citizenry through wealth creation.
“Above all, promoting peaceful coexistence among the inhabitants of the state via the eradication of farmers/herders clashes.”
The Governor who was represented by the Head of Service, Mr. John Adeyemo said: “Feedlot operational system is a variant of ranching where our livestock are being confined so as to militate against the myriad of problems associated with open grazing of cattle.”
He pointed out some of the benefits inherent in feedlot system to include production of healthier animals, employment generation, value addition to the farm produce, promotion of peaceful coexistence among the citizenry, rural and agricultural development and wealth creation.
Senior Special Assistant on Agric and Agribusinesses to the Governor, Pastor Akin Olotu urged the pastoralists especially the Miyetti Allah association in the state to key into the feedlot operational system to end farmers/herders clashes.
“Governor Akeredolu has taken it upon himself to champion the programme in the state for better animal growth, good productivity and profitability. So we are working with the Miyetti Allah association in the state in partnership with the FAO.”
“Our plan is to form a cooperative with the Miyetti Allah. I have informed the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and some commercial banks to fund the pilot scheme in collaboration with the FAO so that they can see the different.
“Nigeria cow is one of the worse in the world; a litre of milk to a cow in Nigeria while in Kenya, 30 litres to a cow. Nomadic method is not profitable.
“We have trained them; we would monitor and support them to improve their business. The present government in the state remains positive to their relationship with the Miyetti Allah association in Ondo state,” the SSA said.
Also, Secretary, Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), Ondo State branch, Danna Ahmed described the training programme as a welcome development to the association and the business if all stakeholders supported it.
He said they would continue to engage their members on the benefits and important of feedlot operational system.
He commended the government for its support, urged the government and other financial institutions to provide loan for the association so that the training would positive.