Rabiu Omaku
The Federal Government in a bid to ensure sustainable peace between Farmers and herders in Nasarawa State has launched the National Livestock Transformation Plan, a model ranching hub project in the State.
The long-awaited programme was launched in Baure community of Awe Local Government Council of Nasarawa State amidst fanfare by Fulani herders from various Communities.
The NLTP was a collaborative project between the Federal Government, Nasarawa and the Netherland meant to nip the unabated impasse associated with the destruction of food crops by herders.
The National Coordinator and Senior Special Assistant to the President on Agriculture, Dr.Andrew Kwasari said the motive behind the launching of the pilot project in Awe, Nasarawa State was hinged on tackling farmers, herders’ skirmishes.
The SSA explained that what was happening today as a result of the decision of the National Economic Council was aimed to develop the livestock sub-sector.
Andrew maintained that the NLTP was to teach pastoralists how to farm their pasture, Also to teach farmers on high yield.
He said the programme would consume a total of 22,000 hectares of land, stating further that the programme would house a total of 300,000 households.
A representative of the Dutch consortium says the experts from Netherland would train the trainers in days to come, He in addition opined that the purpose of the programme is to form a cluster.
He further explained that farmers’ education would be given a boost; He disclosed that Netherland is the second-largest exporter of farm produce in the world.
