‘Lack Of Funds, Bane Of Agric Dev’

The chairman of National Livestock Development Committee, Dr  Joseph  Nyager has identified  inadequate funds and encroachments due to demand for  land  as major challenges confronting the development of grazing reserves in the country. Dr. Nyager who stated this while briefing  newsmen on the activities  of the committee in Abuja recently also accused some states and local government councils of not supporting  the committee in its efforts.

He disclosed  that the Federal government has committed N3 billion to provide  infrastructure in the nation’s gazing reserves while 59 boreholes, 10 earth dams  and fire livestock service  centres were constructed in 25 selected grazing  reserves nationwide.

According to him, the development of reserves and stock routes  was imperative in order to avoid  pastorlist/farmers conflict.

To achieve  this, he explained that the committee increased livestock production while primary routes have  been identified and categoriesed is North East, North central and North West with a distance of 14,950 km.

He further stated that three gazing reserves in Runka, Katina State,  Udibo in Bauchi State and  Paiko kore in Gwagwlada FCT have been fully equipped  with various infrastructure.

Dr. Nyager however  said in spite of the challenges, the governorment was determined to develop all the gazing reserves across the country to alleviate conflicts between farmers and pastoralists.