The Kaduna government has inaugurated the Livestock Development Project (L-PRES) office to increase livestock production and reduce farmers-herdsmen violent conflicts.

Murtala Dabo, the commissioner for agriculture and natural resources, said this on Thursday during the inauguration of the office of L-PRES in Kaduna.

The commissioner said the inauguration of the office was part of Kaduna’s commitment towards the health and welfare of the livestock population in line with global best practices.

Mr Dabo said the project’s goal was to improve livestock productivity, resilience and commercialisation of the value chain and increase the state’s capacity to respond to emergencies in the livestock industry. 

He also said the project aimed at tackling the frequent clashes between farmers and herdsmen by focusing on conflict management to find a lasting solution.

The agric commissioner said Kaduna was successful in widespread vaccination of livestock against transboundary diseases, hence the need to key into the project.

Mr Dabo said the livestock market was a huge business, particularly for meat and dairy products, that could generate revenue and create employment for youths in Kaduna.

Shittu Hashim, L-PRES project coordinator in Kaduna, said the project was a six-year initiative of the World Bank and the state government to improve livestock productivity. He said the office was part of the state government’s contribution to fast-track the implementation of the project.

Mr Hashim said the project was designed to address the challenges associated with livestock production, including lack of access to grazing areas, water drinking points, rustling and transboundary diseases.

Mr Hashim said Kaduna would key into the cattle, poultry, sheep and goat value chain. 

(NAN)