FG partners with farms on cattle breeding, livestock market

The Federal Government, through the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Kiyasa Farm Ltd on cattle breeding improvement, and Cikasoro Farm Ltd on livestock market development.

The ceremony was performed at the minister’s conference hall yesterday in Abuja.

The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Chief Audu Ogbeh, signed on behalf of the Federal Government, the Managing Director Kiyasa Farm Ltd, Alhaji Mohammed Sambo Bashar, signed on behalf of Kiyasa Farm Limited, while Ambassador Abubakar Cika signed on behalf of Cikasoro Livestock Market Limited.

Chief Ogbeh said for over 50 years, Nigeria had never paid enough attention to improving livestock production in the country, which was the major problem Nigeria had been facing for over two years which degenerated into farmer/herder clashes.

He was very delighted that Kiyasa Farm Ltd had started a cattle breeding improvement programme in Sokoto and Zamfara states to complement the present administration’s efforts in livestock value chain.

The minister assured Kiyasa Farm Ltd that the Ministry would give the farm bio-gas production machine and the government’s support.

Chief Ogbeh commended the vision and foresight of Cikasoro Livestock Market Ltd for the establishment of livestock market at Tunga Maje, Abuja, to supply wholesome meat to Abuja and its environs, adding that this would minimise the transportation of cattle in trucks from the North to the Southern parts of the country.

The minister assured that the government would complement its efforts with the provision of infrastructure (roads, water and electricity) in the market and offer ideas and technical support to ensure the market is of international standard.