The Cross River government says it is increasing investment in livestock production, processing and meat infrastructure to improve animal protein supply.

Liyel Imoukhuede, the special adviser to the governor on livestock, said in an interview with journalists in Calabar on Wednesday that the move would also create room for more competitive prices.

Mr Imoukhuede said that reducing the cost of meat and other animal products required increased productivity and lower production costs across the livestock value chain.

He further said that the government’s strategy covered improved breeds, animal nutrition, pasture development, disease control, efficient production systems, processing infrastructure and stronger market linkages.

“We need more productive animals, better feeds, improved animal health, lower mortality, better genetics, efficient production systems, processing infrastructure, and stronger market linkages,” he said.

According to him, the state is also focusing on commercial feed production, dairy, poultry, beef, piggery, aquaculture and livestock processing.

The governor’s aide listed the development of modern abattoirs and meat infrastructure as another important component of the strategy.

He said that Cross River’s 2026 budget made provisions for modern abattoirs, meat inspection equipment and livestock infrastructure.

He said that better organisation of production, processing, transportation and marketing would help to reduce inefficiencies in the animal protein supply chain.

He said that the government’s objective was to improve supply while creating opportunities for farmers and other businesses operating across the livestock value chain.

“Ultimately, the goal is to move from an expensive, inefficient supply chain to one where production, processing, transportation, and marketing are better organised,” he said.

(NAN)