FG ends open grazing, sets up cattle colonies in states

The Federal Government will commence the establishment of cattle colonies next week in states that show interest in a major step to discourage open grazing.

Chief Audu Ogbeh, Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, said open grazing was posing serious challenges and it “is not too efficient for the cattle’’.

Ogbeh described open grazing as a `torture’ to cattle which usually do not enjoy long distance walks.

He disclosed this during a visit to the Agriculture and Veterinary Complex of the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria last week.

“It doesn’t allow us to harvest milk; the cows are not well fed. What is going on is almost torture to animals.

“If we can create a new environment for cattle, give them what they need, protect them from rustlers, the herdsmen will quickly discover that they are making far more money than what they are doing now,’’ he said.

Ogbeh noted that the National Economic Council has set up a 10-member committee comprising the Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo and nine governors to facilitate the commencement of the cattle colonies in interested states.

“We are happy that we are making progress in agriculture now.

“One of the most topical issues we have today is that of farmers and herdsmen clashes. In our attempt to solve the problem, we have proffered certain solutions but perhaps we were not sensitive enough to Nigeria’s fragile sensitivities and suspicions.

“When we spoke of colonies, we were immediately greeted with reactions that this was an attempt to cease Nigeria’s land and give to the Fulani to colonise. The intention is not for Fulani or anyone to colonise any territory. It is to provide a haven for cattle to graze in peace under controlled environments to prevent the conflicts between farmers and herdsmen.’’

The minister said the Federal Government would engage the services of the National Animal Production Research Institute (NAPRI) to assist in the production of fodder for cattle.

Earlier, Prof. Clarence Lakpini, Director of NAPRI, said the country has “a population of about 19.7 million cattle and total of 113.8 million sheep and goats. These are animals that graze and 90 per cent of these are owned by the pastoralists.’’


Lakpini also said NAPRI had gone into partnership with various animal stakeholders to resolve the conflict between farmers and herdsmen across the country. (NAN)

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