The Federal Government of Nigeria has organised a training programme for livestock farmers on low cost feed production. The Director, Animal Husbandry Services, of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Mrs. Winnie Lai- Solarin, while speaking on the sideline of a training for farmers on utilisation of low grade grain, in Abuja, noted that animal feed constitutes about 70 per cent of the cost of livestock production in Nigeria.
According to her, the training on low cost feed production, through the use of alternative feed ingredients, was essential to reduce the cost of production of livestock, while also maximising their profits. She added that the initiative would also help to reduce the rate of competition between man and animal for conventional feed ingredients, thereby uplifting their businesses, as feed millers and livestock farmers. The director noted that silage making and utilisation was one of such knowledge that could make a difference. She added that the Ministry of Agriculture had previously initiated and carried out several support programmes to give lasting support to the farmers.
“As we know, there is low production capacity of most feed mills in the country. This is mainly due to scarcity and high cost of feed ingredients. Many farmers have been thrown out of business, and some are involved in many sharp practices that undermine the effectiveness of their activities on the environment. The ministry is aware of the plight of farmers, especially livestock farmers and is determined to support them to improve their production process to achieve feed and food security”, she said. She maintained that subsidising the cost of feed production, will not only increase farmers’ profit, but also sustain their interest.
