By Nanmwa Golok

The Plateau state government has organized a two-day pastoral training programme in Jos in order to upgrade the local breed of livestock in order to produce good yield.

Provost, College of Animal Health and Production Technology, Plateau State, Prof. Hamidu Sharubutu,who spoke at the occasion called for modern ways of rearing livestock in order to boost the industry into a vibrant business enterprise. Our correspondent reports that the training programme was organised by the Plateau State Micro Finance Development Agency.

He said pastoralists had been rearing livestock in a traditional and conservative way which he said had not resulted into the growth of the Industry. “We are calling for a modern way of rearing livestock in the state in order to boost the Indus into a vibrant business enterprise. “Our pastoralists have been rearing livestock in the old traditional and conservative way which has not resulted in any growth in the industry. “I think it is high time we changed from the old normal way we are used to,”he said.

He explained the pastoralists need to adopt the new ways of rearing animals by settling down in one place and not move around as it is obtainable in almost every state in the country. He added that upgrading the local breed of livestock would also produce good yield. Sharubutu expressed regret that the government only concentrates the control of drugs for humans while neglecting those of the veterinary which he said had exposed pastoralists to all forms of manipulation. He called for more resources to be channeled to research which he said could bring in new breed of animals.

Also speaking, The Director General, Plateau State Micro Finance Development Agency, Mr Haggai Gutap, said that the training would improve pastoralists skills in modern techniques of livestock keeping.

Gutap said that this will consequently lead to high productivity which will form a part of the state government’s empowerment programme. He said that the Agricultural sub-sector has the potential of contributing to the growth of the state’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) as well as increase protein intake among citizens.

He added that improving on the industry would also promote raw hides and skin for artisans in the leather works sector. “The role of the nomadic pastoralist in economic development cannot be over empathised, over the year’s previous governments have made efforts in empowering its citizens through various skills acquisition programmes but the missing link is that the role of pastoralist have been silent.

Gov Lalong in his quest to run an inclusive government have considered the huge contributions made by the pastoralist in the development of the state’s economy and have hence introduce capacity building programmes for the pastoralist to enable them improve their skills.

Currently, over 700 Youths and women are undergoing training and acquiring skills in various trades through interventions by the state government through Plateau state Microfinance Development Agency and today we are witnessing another strategic phase of the programme with our pastoralist. 30 of our members are participating in this programme, as part of our determination to change the economic landscape of Plateau we do not just train but we also empower our trainees with starter packs to enable them contribute meaningfully to the growth of our domestic economy.

Plateau state government has keyed into the school feeding programme under the social investment programme and this further demonstrates that there is huge market for protein, meat and there is short supplies and we shall provide enabling environment for you to operate to increase your productively to take advantage of this golden opportunity .”

“The government is aware of the challenges pastoralist face especially Cattle Rustling ,infestation of diseases and parasites, shortage of water and pastures, climatic change, herders – farmers conflicts, in this light, government is working towards finding lasting solution to these issues.

count | 326

PLSG takes bold step towards enforcing modern cattle rearing practices on herdsmen