The Federal Government has unveiled plans to begin a pilot artificial insemination programme for livestock and expand pasture cultivation as part of efforts to modernise animal husbandry and reduce open grazing nationwide.
Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, disclosed this in Abuja yesterday, during an engagement with members of the Miyetti Allah Fulako Yeso Yeso Development Association (MAFYDA).
Maiha said the government plans to inseminate between 1,000 and 3,000 animals nationwide under a pilot scheme aimed at improving local breeds and boosting livestock productivity.
“We are actually going to start this year with insemination of about 1,000 to 3,000 animals across the country,” he said.
The minister also said the government would begin distribution of pasture seeds to pastoralists to encourage ranching and reduce movement of cattle in search of grazing.
“We are going to procure seeds this year and distribute them to pastoralists so that by next dry season, very few animals will be seen roaming the countryside in search of fodder,” he added.
Maiha said the Federal Government remains committed to rehabilitating grazing reserves, improving animal health systems and promoting modern livestock production techniques.
The engagement also focused on the proposed national ranching policy and efforts to address challenges associated with open grazing.
Chief Veterinary Officer of Nigeria, Samuel Anzaku, said the ministry has resumed annual livestock vaccination exercises against diseases such as anthrax, Foot-and-Mouth Disease, Contagious Bovine Pleuropneumonia and Peste des Petits Ruminants.
President of the association, Abubakar Suleiman, pledged support for the government’s livestock transformation agenda and called for stronger collaboration on ranch development and sustainable grazing systems.
