In a bid to enhance poultry production in the country, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has concluded plans to set up a large-scale poultry farm at the Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi, Benue state.
This was disclosed by the Vice-Chancellor of the university, Prof. Richard Kimbir during a Press conference held at Makurdi.
Kimbir, while speaking at the press conference, which marked his two years in office, said that the university had been able to develop and produce two varieties of cowpea. This, he said, is in line with the university’s mandate as a specialised institution coupled with the high premium placed on research.
According to Kimbir as reported by Punch, the achievement had earned the university many accolades from various individuals and reputable organisations both within and outside Nigeria. He said the CBN was also pleased with the achievement and decided that the school was a good location to set up the large-scale poultry farm.
He also disclosed that the College of Engineering of the institution produced the machines used for hulling local cereal as well as yam planter machines.
Why this matters: In a recent Nairametrics publication, it was reported that the border closure had saved the local poultry industry more than N50 billion since its commencement. This may be the reason for this move by the CBN to revive the agricultural sector in line with FG’s commitment.
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Reports have suggested that the country’s economic recovery plan is solely based on six priority sectors – agriculture, manufacturing, and solid minerals, including iron, gold, and coal. With this poultry farm plan, there is hope that more large-scale poultry farms will be established across the country which will provide jobs directly and indirectly. Also, food smuggling and insecurity will be addressed.
