NAPRI and Co Partner to breed donkeys in Nigeria; Expect to generate about two billion dollars annually for the country; Aim at ending farmers/herdsmen crises in the region."

Just like developing other sectors of livestock, The National Animal Production Research Institute (NAPRI) in collaboration with partners is keen towards establishing ranches in Bauchi state (Toro) and Ebonyi state, to preserve the local donkey breeds and enhance livestock farming.

 

Prof. Abdullahi Mohammed, Executive Director, NAPRI made this known in an interview with NAN.

 

Mohammed said the institute signed a memorandum of understanding with Earth-wheel Logistics Limited and other partners sometime in February to breed over two million donkeys in Nigeria in the next five to 10 years.

 

He said that the value chain is expected to generate about two billion dollars annually for the country.

 

Mohammed added that the partnership is aimed at improving the breed of donkeys and add value to the federal government’s diversification plan in agriculture.

 

“The National Council of Agriculture during its meeting in Sokoto observed that the number of donkeys in Nigeria was depleting.

 

“Subsequently, the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development declared donkeys as an endangered species due to high haulage of the animal from north to the south-eastern part of the country for consumption and export.

 

“Another reason, why the number of donkeys is depleting at such an alarming rate, is because donkey skins are being used for traditional medicine in Asia,” he said.

 

He therefore said the federal government tasked the institute to do something towards improving the production of donkeys.

 

He added that the institute has already established donkey preservation and reproduction unit.

 

”We currently have more than 100 donkeys in the unit.”

 

“NAPRI through a foreign partner ARLA Group (producers of Dano Milk, entered into an agreement with the Fulani community in Kubau Local Government of Kaduna state to enhance milk production and health of the animals,” he said.

 

He added that the collaboration was hinged on the establishment of pastures.

 

“We used our farm machinery to cultivate a large pasture field around the Damau area in Kubau local government.

 

“This partnership is aimed at ending farmers/herdsmen crises in the region,” he said.

 

The executive director noted with concern the state of some research facilities at the institute.