The Taraba State Government, through the Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support Project (L-PRES), has commenced a five-day training on artificial insemination for livestock farmers and other stakeholders in the agricultural sector.

The training is designed to equip participants with practical knowledge and skills required to adopt artificial insemination technology and improve animal breeding and livestock productivity across the state.

Speaking at the opening of the training, the L-PRES State Project Coordinator, Mr Hananiah G. Albert, described artificial insemination as an important reproductive technology capable of improving livestock production.

Albert, who was represented by the State L-PRES ITC and Communication Officer, Mr. Ezra Atima, explained that artificial insemination involves introducing semen from a selected male animal into the reproductive tract of a female at the appropriate time to achieve pregnancy.

He said the technology would give farmers access to desirable genetic traits without requiring them to keep breeding males on every farm.

According to him, improved livestock productivity would contribute to food security, increase household income, create employment opportunities and promote rural development in Taraba State.

Albert noted that properly designed breeding programmes could help farmers produce animals with improved milk and meat yields, better growth performance and greater adaptability to local production conditions.

He, however, stressed that successful artificial insemination involved more than introducing semen into female animals, saying proper animal identification, heat detection, semen handling, hygiene, accurate timing and record keeping were essential to achieving successful outcomes.

The project coordinator urged participants to actively participate in the practical sessions, ask questions and share their experiences with the facilitators.

He also advised farmers to prioritise animal welfare, biosecurity, hygiene and proper record keeping in the application of artificial insemination technology.

Albert encouraged livestock farmers to work closely with veterinary professionals, livestock extension officers and trained artificial insemination technicians to ensure effective application of the technology and safeguard animal health.

He said the success of the initiative would depend on collaboration among government agencies, development partners, extension personnel, technicians and farmers.

Albert further urged the participants to take the knowledge and skills acquired during the training back to their communities and share them with other livestock farmers.

Also speaking, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Prof. Nicholas Oliver Namessan, represented by the Director of Livestock, Mr Buhari Dame, said the training would contribute to improving livestock productivity across the state.

Namessan urged participants to make effective use of the knowledge and skills acquired during the five-day programme and replicate them in rural communities to ensure that the benefits of the initiative reach more livestock farmers.