Idi Mukhtar Maiha, Minister of Livestock Development, has called on farmers and herders to support the development of grazing reserves as part of efforts meant to boost livestock production and development.
The minister made the call, on Tuesday, at the commemoration of the National Pasture Planting Day at the Kawu Grazing Reserve in Bwari Area Council, FCT-Abuja.
He also assured Nigerians that President Bola Tinubu-led Administration is committed to implementing the National Livestock Acceleration Growth Strategy (NL-GAS) and other policy frameworks that promote peace, productivity and prosperity in the livestock sector.
“The National Pasture Planting Day is a significant step towards promoting sustainable livestock development and improving the livelihoods of millions of Nigerians who depend on livestock for their livelihoods.
“With the commitment of the government and the support of stakeholders, Nigeria can achieve self-sufficiency in livestock production and promote peace and prosperity in the sector.”
“Today marks not just the planting of seeds in the soil, but the sowing of a vision for resuscitation of our grazing reserves, sustainable livestock development, environmental stewardship, peaceful pastoral practices, and economic empowerment for millions of Nigerians who depend on livestock for their livelihoods”, he said.
The minister emphasised the importance of pasture development in improving animal nutrition, boosting meat and dairy production and transitioning to climate-smart livestock systems.
Highlighting the need for collaboration among stakeholders, the minister said, “the National Livestock Development Programme aims to improve pasture production, promote sustainable livestock development, and enhance food security.”
The programme also aims to release and register of pasture varieties, adding that eight new pasture varieties had been released and registered into the national seed system.
He added that the programme also targeted training and capacity building and establishing strategic pasture seed banks and feedlots.
The minister called for collaboration among stakeholders to support the development of grazing reserves and promote peaceful coexistence between herders and farmers.
