The Kano government has begun implementing the second phase of its livestock empowerment programme, which is valued at N2.3 billion under the Kano State Agro-Pastoral Development Project.

The Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources, Mamood Danjuma, disclosed this while addressing journalists on Thursday in Kano.
Danjuma said the initiative aims to support beneficiaries with livestock, feeds and drugs to enhance their economic well-being.

According to him, 911 beneficiaries are being supported with two rams each, feeding for three months, drugs, and salt lick, while 2,386 women are being supported with two goats and a buck goat in the poorest households in Kano.

He explained that the total package under the empowerment programme showed that the government procured 1,342 bulls at the cost of N560 million, 1,822 rams were procured at the cost of N175 million and 7,158 goats bought at the cost of N451 million.

“Under the cattle scheme, each cattle gains 100kg over a period of 120 days. The fattening period is for 120 days, making three cycles possible in a year.

“As for the small ruminants’ fattening scheme, with the same 120-day fattening period yielding an extra 15kg per animal.

“The project promotes goats’ reproduction through women who will take care of the animals and sell the young ones to improve their income and standard of living,” he said.

He said that the programme promotes economic empowerment, particularly among women, by providing them with livestock to care for and sell, ultimately improving their income and standard of living.

(NAN)