In a promising development for the agricultural landscape of Taraba State in Northeast Nigeria, approximately 40,000 individuals are poised to reap the benefits of the Federal Government’s Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support (L-PRES) program.
The announcement was made by Hananiah Albert, the Taraba State Coordinator for L-PRES, during the inauguration of the State Steering Committee (SSC) and the State Technical Committee (STC) in Jalingo, the State capital, on Wednesday.
Albert highlighted that 30 percent of the beneficiaries would be women, underscoring the state’s deliberate focus on Livestock Value Chains, including Cattle, Sheep, Goat, and Poultry, owing to its advantageous position in the North-East geographical zone.
He outlined the diverse range of prospective beneficiaries, encompassing Livestock producers, Feed suppliers, Equipment dealers, Marketers, Transporters, Processors, Input suppliers, and off-takers.
The primary objectives of the project, as elucidated by the State Coordinator, involve providing support to Livestock Farmers and Sector Operators through Extension services, Animal Health Services, and significant investments in infrastructure. This includes the construction and rehabilitation of livestock markets, abattoirs, and slaughter slabs.
Additionally, the initiative aims to facilitate the installation of Manual and Motorized Boreholes, Weigh bridges, and loading ramps in Livestock Markets, along with the establishment of an Artificial Insemination (AI) Centre, among other measures.
A noteworthy revelation is that an estimated 1.43 million Nigerians are expected to benefit from this far-reaching Livestock initiative.
In response to this groundbreaking initiative, Professor Nicholas Namessan, the State Commissioner of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, expressed confidence in the project’s potential to enhance livelihoods in both Secondary and Pastoral Communities. He emphasized the strategic support services championed by the World Bank as catalysts for positive change in the state’s livestock sector.
Governor Agbu Kefas, represented by his Deputy, Alh. Aminu Abdullahi Alkali, pledged robust support for the newly inaugurated committees, ensuring their effective functioning in implementing the L-PRES Project. He remarked, “This Initiative signifies a significant step towards fortifying the Livestock Sector and uplifting Communities across Taraba State.”