The federal government has announced the launch of a pilot project of the National Livestock Transformation Plan (NLTP) with the inauguration of a model ranching hub project in Awe Local Government Area of Nasarawa State.
President Buhari, represented by the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Sabo Nanono said the scheme would be replicated in other states that have indicated interest.
The President added that the NLTP was initiated by his administration to develop the livestock sub-sector which had hitherto not been given proper attention, causing friction between farmers and herders.
“The project is well-conceived to reform the livestock sector from nomadic dependent into an organised ranching one,” the Presidency said.
“At the moment, 22 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have registered with the NLTP Secretariat and Ten of them have created their own team that were already trained by the Secretariat.
“Seven out of the states have earmarked 19 grazing reserves for the implementation of the programme with over 400, 000 hectares of land.”
They added that the NLTP would reduce the need for open grazing as it ensures herders stay in one location with government support, stating that they are optimistic the scheme would reduce attacks on farmers by herders.
Buhari revealed that the Nasarawa State Government provided 22,000 hectares of land in Awe LGA for the project.