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 Presid...