L-PRESS Records Significant Gains in Zamfara Livestock Development
The Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support (LPRES) Project says its intervention has transformed the livestock sector in Zamfara State through sustained capacity-building programmes, farmers' training and the rehabilitation of critical livestock infrastructure that had been neglected for years.
The Zamfara State Project Coordinator of the L-PRESS, Malam Nasiru Mohammed, stated this during the flag-off of the distribution of livestock production inputs and equipments to clusters of livestock farmers by Governor Dauda Lawal in Gusau.
He explained that the distribution forms part of efforts to boost livestock production, improve agricultural productivity and strengthen the livestock value chain across the state.
According to him, the initiative was approved by Governor Dauda Lawal to provide livestock farmers with modern equipment and production inputs that will enhance productivity and improve their livelihoods.
Malam Nasiru said the items being distributed include 100 crop residue crushers, 100 grass chopper machines, 1,200 packs of improved pasture seeds comprising Brachiaria, Lablab and Mucuna varieties, as well as 100 feed milling machines, made up of 40 pellet machines and 60 grinding machines.
He added that 20 motorcycles would also be distributed to livestock extension agents to improve extension service delivery and provide effective support to farmers in their communities.
The State Project Coordinator urged beneficiaries to make judicious use of the equipment and inputs to achieve the objectives of the programme and ensure sustainable livestock production in the state.
Speaking at the ceremony, Governor Dauda Lawal reaffirmed his administration's commitment to revitalising agriculture, strengthening food security, creating sustainable livelihoods and repositioning Zamfara State as a major contributor to Nigeria's agricultural economy.
He described the programme as another significant milestone in the state's drive to modernise agriculture and improve the livelihoods of farmers.
Governor Lawal said Zamfara is endowed with vast fertile land and hardworking people whose history, culture and economy are deeply rooted in agriculture, noting that farming remains the primary source of livelihood for the majority of the population.
According to the Governor, agriculture offers one of the greatest opportunities for inclusive economic growth, poverty reduction and tackling insecurity, including banditry and other forms of criminality.
He stressed that agriculture is not only an economic activity but also a vital part of the state's identity, heritage and resilience.
Governor Lawal said his administration is committed to transforming Zamfara from subsistence farming to a productive, technology-driven and commercially viable agricultural economy through improved farm inputs, mechanisation, irrigation development, extension services, climate-smart agricultural practices and stronger market linkages.
He noted that agriculture has remained at the centre of his administration's development agenda because investment in the sector promotes job creation, rural prosperity, food security and overall socio-economic development.
The Governor expressed optimism over the improving security situation across many communities, saying it has enabled thousands of farmers to return to their farms with renewed confidence.
He assured that the state government would continue to provide the necessary support, infrastructure and enabling environment required to enhance agricultural productivity.
Governor Lawal also highlighted the state's collaboration with the Federal Government, development partners and international organisations, noting that the government has consistently fulfilled its counterpart funding obligations to maximise the benefits of agricultural intervention programmes.
He listed some of the intervention programmes supporting agricultural development in the state to include Fadama III, NG-CARES, ZASPADADEP, IFAD-supported initiatives and other strategic partnerships aimed at improving farmers' access to modern agricultural technologies and inputs.
Governor Lawal urged beneficiaries to utilise the distributed equipment and farm inputs responsibly to increase livestock and crop production, strengthen food security and contribute to the economic growth of Zamfara State.
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