Officials of the National Animal Production Research Institute (NAPRI), Ahmadu Bello University, have unveiled plans to conclude the establishment of 20 20-hectare pasture seed multiplication project by December.

ABU spokesperson Awwalu Umar on Wednesday, in a statement said the duration of the project, which started in January 2021, and was billed to be completed in September this year, was extended to December 2024 following a request by the Kano State Agricultural Development Project (KSADP) for the extension.

According to him, the project is essentially for the establishment and maintenance of 20 hectares of pasture seed multiplication plot at Dudduru in Ajingi local government area Kano State.

He said, “It is for onward collection and distribution of pasture seeds harvested for the establishment of Dansoshai grazing reserves in the state to address acute feed scarcity in ruminant livestock as well as mitigate conflicts between farmers and herders.”

“The project was officially handed over to NAPRI for full commencement of work on 7th January, 2021 at a ceremony attended by all stakeholders involved in the project. Both the National Animal Production Research Institute (NAPRI) and Kano State Agricultural Development Project (KSADP) agreed on a work plan used as a guide for the project.”

Umar, however, explained that “the scope of the project included site mobilisation, fencing of 20 hectares, construction of 40 tube wells, two security rooms as well as construction of two stores for seeds and equipment.”

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“It also included seed drying shade, land clearing and preparation, routine pasture management practices and harvesting of plant species – gamba, stylo, and napier.”

Meanwhile, the Executive Director, National Animal Production Research Institute (NAPRI), Prof. Mohammed Rabiu Hassan has expressed “the institute’s immense gratitude to the Kano State government and Islamic Development Bank for giving NAPRI the opportunity to handle the project.”

The Executive Director, who also commended community leaders, security, and other stakeholders involved in the project, “appreciated the Vice-Chancellor, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Prof. Kabiru Bala, and all staff and management of NAPRI for their support towards the success of the project.”