FOOD SECURITY: L-PRES – EKITI TRAINS 100 COMMUNITY LIVESTOCK EXTENSION SERVICE PROVIDERS ON GOOD ANIMAL HUSBANDRY PRACTICES (GAHP)
As part of concerted efforts to boost livestock production in Ekiti State, the Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support Project (L-PRES) has trained 100 Community Livestock Service Providers on effective livestock management practices which encompasses sourcing animals from reliable institutions, medication and vaccination as well as in the areas of provision of good housing, contamination-free feed and water for their animals.
Speaking in Ado Ekiti at the event organized by the State Coordination Office of L-PRES, the State Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Hon. Ebenezer Boluwade said L-PRES would be a spring board to enhance the State’s livestock priority value chains which include Poultry, Sheep and Goat, Beef/ Dairy and Piggery .
He stressed further that Ekiti State Government is ready to establish a pasture demonstration plot where pasture production will not only become a means of employment for youths in the State but also address a key component of the project which is preventing conflicts between farmers and herders.
“The State will leverage on Component 2 of the project to rehabilitate existing veterinary clinics and construct new veterinary clinic while a modern cattle market will be built in Ado Ekiti and Omuo Ekiti as well as a modern central abattoir in Ado- Ekiti” ,the Commissioner noted
Earlier in his remarks, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Engr. Olugbenga Odesanmi, who spoke through the Programme Manager, Agricultural Development Program (ADP), Alh. Yakubu Oladele said that L-PRES in the State will build the resilience of livestock farmers especially now that the sector is facing animal feed crisis.
Also speaking, the State Project Coordinator L-PRES, Mr. Olayinka Adedipe said the training will strengthen the capacity of the Community Livestock Service Providers and Extension Officers in the State in GAHP.
He echoed that it would ultimately lead to food security, increased income and enhance the livelihood of the rural communities.
In their goodwill messages, the State Coordinator, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Mr. Olusegun Aderemi who was represented by Mr Damola Babafemi and the Chairman of the All Farmers Association said L- PRES has been a shining example of a committed partner in the quest for sustainable animal agriculture and food security.
The facilitator at the training, Prof. Dairo FAS from the Department of Animal Science, Ekiti State University, Ado Ekiti explained that animal welfare and comfort is very crucial in good animal husbandry practices.
Prof. Olufemi Adu from the Department of Animal Production and Health, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Ondo State encouraged the participants on environmental management which include; waste management, nutrients recycling, water conversation, energy efficiency and renewable energy, erosion control, policies and regulations.
One of the participants, Mr. Omoniyi Olusola appreciated L-PRES/Ekiti State for the training exercise and also stated that livestock management is very important to optimize the profit of the livestock farmers and avoid the spread of diseases farms.
