The Jigawa government has allocated N17 billion for livestock development programmes in the 2026 budget.

Abdulraman Salim, commissioner for livestock development, said this on Monday during a budget defence by the state House of Assembly Committee on Agriculture.

He said funds were appropriated to fast-track development of ranches equipped with pasture, water points, veterinary clinics, and other amenities.

Mr Salim said the ranches were designed to provide settlements for pastoralists and to check incessant herder/farmer clashes.

“At the ranches, pastoralists will get high-quality feed for their livestock, good schools for their children, health facilities, veterinary clinics, markets, and power and water supply,” he said.

Mr Salim said the ministry plans to establish veterinary clinics across the state’s 27 local government areas to enhance animal health services and safeguard public health.

“Another aspect is to improve the existing structure and quality of services and establish seven zonal vet clinics and a modern vet referral centre.

“The proposed budget also seeks to improve the capacity of workers to have competent vet doctors, be it at the middle or lower cadre. There’s a need to train and retrain them,” he said.

Mr Salim announced plans to reinvigorate livestock breeding centres in Gumel, Birniwa, and Kaugama, as well as meat processing plants.

He said that about N335 million has been set aside for meat processing, slaughter slabs, and abattoirs under the House of Assembly constituency projects.

The commissioner said the state would collaborate with national organisations to facilitate the establishment of modern abattoirs to accelerate the export of beef and milk.  

(NAN)