The Benue State Authorities has introduced plans to conduct a livestock census to collect complete information on animals and their house owners throughout the state.
The Principal Particular Assistant to the State Governor on Livestock Improvement and Transboundary Animal Illness Management, Dr. Aondoaka Asambe, disclosed this on Monday in Makurdi after inspecting abattoirs and livestock markets.
Asambe defined that the census goals to deal with persistent farmers-herders clashes and different types of prison exercise.
He highlighted the governor’s dedication to revitalising the livestock business and enhancing its contributions to the state’s financial system.
“Conducting a livestock census gives quite a few advantages,” Dr. Asambe said. “Foremost, it is going to assist management the recurrent clashes between farmers and herders within the state. Moreover, it is going to curb cattle rustling. As soon as the census is accomplished, animals will probably be tagged and simply traceable to their house owners. This tagging system may also prolong to animals at abattoirs, considerably decreasing crime throughout the business.”
He additional outlined plans to register livestock farmers, hatcheries, and feed mills to fulfill native consumption calls for within the brief time period.
Within the medium and long run, the federal government goals to revive livestock institutions and enhance manufacturing with enhanced breeds.
Asambe expressed concern over the poor state of abattoirs in Makurdi, noting that none of them met the minimal requirements for slaughterhouses.
He cited an absence of entry to potable water, good roads, and primary hygiene as vital challenges.
In response, the Chairman of the Meat Store House owners Affiliation, Makurdi department, Mr. Austin Ugwu, known as on the state authorities to create an enabling surroundings for his or her companies to thrive.