The Minister of Livestock Development, Alhaji Idi Maiha, has disclosed that the federal government has finalized plans to invest in ranching and dairy production in Benue State by clearing 500 hectares of land for the initiative.
The minister made this known during a visit to the Benue Livestock Investigation and Breeding Centre in Raav, Gwer East Local Government Area.
He revealed that the centre has been allocated a total of 2,400 hectares, with 500 hectares designated for the initial phase of the program. Expressing concern over the underutilization of the facility, he noted that it currently houses only 37 animals.
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To address this, the minister stated that a committee would be set up to oversee the centre’s development, including the construction of essential infrastructure such as animal pens, isolation units, maternity pens, and staff housing. He also emphasized plans to collaborate with Joseph Sarwua Tarka University, Makurdi, on research initiatives to support the centre’s objectives.
Speaking on the initiative, the Director General of the Benue Bureau for Livestock Development, Dr. Aondoakaa Asambe, highlighted ranching as a crucial solution to the state’s ongoing security challenges. According to him, the program will enable displaced farmers to return to their homes and contribute to the growth of both the agricultural and livestock sectors.
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However, in a statement issued on Sunday, Dr. Asambe clarified that “the Federal Government does not own any land in Benue State, nor has the state government ceded any land to the FG for ranching. Reports suggesting otherwise misrepresented the Minister’s remarks, likely due to a failure to differentiate between fodder production and ranching. The Minister explicitly stated that the FG would provide seedlings to the state government to commence fodder production, which, for now, will cover 500 hectares.”
