About 150 livestock farmers were on Wednesday trained in disease prevention, efficient production and improved profitability to ensure waste management and improved production in Benue State.

The one-day training programme held in Makurdi was organised by the Animal Care Services Konsult in collaboration with the Benue State chapter of the Nigerian Veterinary Medical Association (NVMA).

Speaking, Branch Operations Manager, Animal Care Services Konsult, Abuja/Nasarawa region, Daniel Aduta, said the farmers’ forum was organised to equip farmers with practical knowledge to reduce wastage and improve productivity.

Mr Aduta said participants included poultry, piggery, fisheries and ruminant farmers, as well as representatives of cooperatives and women’s groups.

He said the training would also cover biosecurity, animal health and farm management, which were applicable across livestock enterprises.

According to him, inadequate knowledge remains a major challenge facing farmers, while rising costs of feed, drugs, raw materials, and seeds have further constrained production.

Mr Aduta said the company was partnering with non-governmental organisations on farmer empowerment programmes, including a Mastercard-funded grant initiative.

He said efforts would be made to advocate the inclusion of Benue farmers, particularly women, in such interventions.

Also, State Chairman, NVMA, Andrew Amine, said the forum was aimed at promoting best practices, increasing productivity and improving farmers’ livelihoods.

Mr Amine identified high input and production costs as major challenges, attributing part of the increase to transportation costs because many inputs were produced outside the state.

He urged companies to establish production facilities in Benue to reduce transportation costs, prevent shortages and improve access to inputs.

He also called for increased government investment in veterinary services, saying fewer than 15 veterinarians currently serve the state government across its 23 local government areas.

He advocated functional veterinary clinics, adequate manpower, cold-chain facilities for vaccines and standard slaughter slabs or abattoirs.

He expressed concern over inadequate meat inspection, saying some animals were slaughtered privately without veterinary checks, a situation he said could expose the public to livestock-borne diseases.

Mr Amine urged authorities to strengthen veterinary services, meat inspection and livestock-health infrastructure across the state.

On his part, State Chairman, Pig Farmers Association of Nigeria and former Director of Livestock and Veterinary Services, Ronald Kparevzua, spoke on biosecurity and disease prevention.

Mr Kparevzua identified African Swine Fever (ASF) as a major challenge affecting pig farmers in the state, adding that viral disease could cause high mortality among pigs.

He explained that biosecurity involved measures to prevent diseases from entering farms and spreading to other animals or locations.

He advised farmers to establish biosecurity posts separating the contaminated external environment from clean areas, while ensuring that farmers and visitors washed and disinfected their hands.

He said they should also change footwear and clothing and use farm-specific protective equipment before entering animal areas.

He also advised farmers to remove protective clothing and footwear before leaving the farm to prevent the spread of infections.

In their separate remarks, the participants commended the organisers for the training.

They said it had provided practical knowledge that would help them address challenges and improve their farming practices. 

(NAN)