The Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support (L-PRES) Project in Gombe state has announced that it wil establish at least 55 milk collection centres across the state.
L-PRES also will aid the creation of herder cooperative societies to modernise livestock management among the herders in the state.
L-PRES coordinator, Professor Usman Abubakar disclosed this at a one-day stakeholders consultative meeting with the leadership of the state herders in Gombe.
JewelTimes reports that Professor Abubakar said this is part of the state government efforts to mitigate farmer-herder clashes and modernise livestock management in the state.
He added that measures are being put in place to ensure herders in the state optimally benefit from their aged-long business.
“Creation of cooperative societies and establishment of these centres will help maximize the milk you produce, facilitate storage for longer periods and reduce long distance travel with your cattle. Livestock farming is no longer an inherited business, it’s now a great investment venture that can sustain you and boost your wealth”.
The coordinator also noted that for the herders to benefit from the new milk collection centres, they must group themselves into cooperatives to facilitate the takeoff. He explained further that there are more advantages that will be attached to the new centres apart from milk collection.
“Part of the requirements for these centres is for you to group yourselves into cooperative societies to make the process easier for you and the project as well. These cooperatives are key in executing subsequent project activities, such as the upcoming artificial insemination exercise aimed at crossbreeding improved breeds with local ones to enhance productivity,” he added.
He said the centres can equally provide employment opportunities, boost quality and healthy milk, and strengthen the herders and state’s economy.
On his part, the state chairman Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore, Ardo Chindo Abubakar, urged the herders to put their differences aside to achieve the objectives of the programme.
He emphasized the significance of educating their children to become relevant and contribute to running of their own affairs.
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