The Ebonyi State Government on Saturday said it is collaborating with the Livestock Productivity and Resilience Project (L-PRES) to enhance livestock farming in the state.

L-PRES Project Coordinator, Mr Victor Nwite, disclosed this during an interview in Abakaliki, adding that the state government made commitment towards the initiative.

Mr. Nwite also stated that the government released N150 million as counterpart for the project’s commencement in the state.

He said, “The government intends to inaugurate an integrated ranch at Ezzangbo, in the Ohaukwu Local Government Area, aimed at enhancing livestock value addition and quality service. The initiative is part of L-PRES’s objective to improve livestock productivity, build resilience within the sector and promote commercialisation of key value chains. The facility is expected to have veterinary laboratory, cold chain facility, cottage pasture and a smart skills training centre.’’

He noted that equipment at the facility would be automated and would be of the highest available standard.

“L-PRES is committed to educate farmers on proper livestock processes using climate smart activity and interventions. We have profiled and trained about 14, 000 livestock farmers on good animal husbandry practices including control of outbreaks,” he stated.

Mr Nwite also said that the state government purchased 15 motor bikes for extension agents to work in various local government areas of the state.

“The project will assist farmers’ clusters with cold storage, solar powered boreholes among other interventions. We would introduce an automated standard abattoir, pig market, processing unit and renovate five slaughter slabs in the state,” he added.

He thanked the state governor for his commitment and support, which he said made a significant impact in the initiative.

(NAN)