By Usman Shuaibu
In a bid to boost commercial animal farming in Abuja, the FederalCapital Territory (FCT), the Federal Government has inaugurated sheep and goats value chain scheme for stakeholders in the sector.
Unveiling the scheme, on Wednesday, the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Mrs. Ibukun Odusote, said the programme would ensure self-sufficiency in animal protein.
She said the initiative was in line with government’s Growth Enhancement Support Scheme (GES) for increased quality animal production among farmers in the country.
“It is expected that improved ram and bucks will be given to farmer cooperatives for upgrading and improving the genetic base and productivity of the animals.
“The Federal Government is determined and fully committed to ensuring self-sufficiency in food production and animal protein through sheep and goats value chain.
“Government is also determined through this programme to introduce the farmers to the necessary animal health care for improved productivity and production of small ruminants,’’ she said.
She said that under the scheme, four bags of commercial ruminant finishing feeds would be given to each of the 180 farmers who benefitted from the scheme in the FCT.
Odusote, was represented by the Director, Department of Planning and Partnership Coordination, of the ministry, Mrs. Rabi Adamu.
One of the beneficiaries of the scheme, Mr. Ibrahim Hassan, commended government for reaching out to the farmers.
Hassan assured that he and other beneficiaries would ensure that they make the best use of the programme to produce quality animals, to meet the consumption need of residents in the Territory.
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