March 22, (THEWILL) – The Federal Government has announced plans to clear 500 hectares of land in Benue State for ranching and dairy production as part of its efforts to boost the livestock sector.
The Minister of Livestock Development, Alhaji Idi Maiha, disclosed this on Saturday during an inspection visit to the Benue Livestock Investigation and Breeding Centre, Raav, in Gwer East Local Government Area.
Maiha noted that the centre, which originally covered 2,400 hectares, was underutilized, lamenting that it currently houses only 37 animals.
He assured that the Federal Government would begin the initial clearing of 500 hectares to facilitate the establishment of modern ranching and dairy farms.
“The facilities here are in a deplorable state and require total rehabilitation. A centre with over 2,400 hectares should not be left with only 37 animals. We need to put the necessary infrastructure in place,” he said.
The minister added that a committee would be set up to recommend ways to establish essential facilities, including pens, isolation centres, maternity pens, dip tanks, and auxiliary structures such as housing and chalets.
He also announced a collaboration with Joseph Sarwua Tarka University, Makurdi, for research and capacity building in livestock development.
During a visit to the Benue Swine and Crop Improvement Project in Yandev, Gboko Local Government Area, Maiha revealed that the Federal Government would upgrade the facility into a Special Agro-Processing Zone focused on integrated pig farming and meat processing.
He expressed satisfaction with the existing swine project but regretted that it currently operates below capacity.
“This facility is designed to hold 3,000 pigs, but there are only 79 at the moment. Our plan is to transform it into a reproductive centre where piglets will be bred and supplied to out-growers,” he said.
The minister further stated that the government would encourage the establishment of a modular processing unit for pig meat, packaging, and distribution.
Speaking on behalf of the Benue State Government, the Director General, Bureau for Livestock Development, Trans-Border and Animal Control, Dr. Aondoakaa Asambe, lauded the initiative, describing it as a step towards addressing security challenges in the state.
“The establishment of ranches will help mitigate the security issues we face and enable farmers to return to their ancestral lands. The creation of this Bureau is part of Governor Hyacinth Alia’s vision to develop a reliable livestock industry in the state,” Asambe stated.
The minister later visited the International Cattle Market at North Bank, Makurdi, where he held a closed-door meeting with stakeholders in the livestock sector at Hub 17 Innovation Space.
