ILRI Launches Forage Genetic Resource Unit to Revolutionize Livestock Farming in Africa

 

The International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) has launched a Forage Genetic Resource Unit at the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) in Ibadan, Nigeria, to ensure food security across the African continent and revolutionize livestock farming. The unit is an extension of the ILRI Forage Gene Bank in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, and will provide quality forage seeds and planting materials for pasture development in Nigeria and beyond.

The launch event, organized by ILRI Nigeria, was attended by dignitaries including the Director General of ILRI, Prof. Appolinaire Djikeng, who commended the ILRI Nigeria team led by Dr. Tunde Amole for their commitment to achieving credible research work. Prof. Djikeng noted that the launch of the Forage Genetic Resource Unit is another achievement of ILRI in Nigeria, stressing that this cannot be achieved without the commitment of the Nigerian team.

The Country Representative of ILRI, Dr. Tunde Amole, highlighted the importance of partnerships with stakeholders, including Friesland Campina, Milkin Barn, AgroInfotech, L-PRES, Real People Concept, Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, and others in Oyo State. He emphasized that the launch of the Forage Genetic Resource Unit marks a milestone in Nigeria's agricultural sector.

The Executive Adviser to the Governor of Oyo State on Agribusiness, Dr. Debo Akande, who represented the state Governor, Engnr. Seyi Makinde, emphasized the importance of inclusive partnership and collaboration with concerned stakeholders. He noted that there is a need to strengthen public and private synergy in the areas of agriculture, which is the model adopted by the government of Oyo State.

Dr. Akande also highlighted the state's plans for a new 3,000-hectare agribusiness hub in Eruwa, integrating livestock and crop production to bolster the state's economy. He expressed optimism that the partnership between ILRI and Oyo State would continually be strengthened and developed, with the expectation that over 1000 livestock would be developed.

The representative of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Mrs. Akeredolu Olayinka Abimbola, emphasized the ministry's goal of increasing the quantity and quality of the livestock industry by at least 60% yield, developing the sector, and taking care of all animals, handlers, and citizens. She expressed the displeasure of the federal government and the ministry over the insecurity of farmers and herders, saying the ministry and FG are not happy with this.

Dr. Simeon Ehui, Director General of the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), praised ILRI's initiative, acknowledging ILRI's roles in biodiversity conservation amid climate challenges. He emphasized that the genebank establishment ensures biodiversity preservation for future generations.

The representative of Niger State Governor, Prof. Mohammed Yahaya Kuta, highlighted the state's vast agricultural potential and expressed support for ILRI's initiatives in livestock development. He emphasized Niger's State Governor's commitment to agricultural mechanization, including plans to introduce 10,000 tractors to accelerate agricultural growth.

The ILRI country representative briefed journalists on the initiative, emphasizing its pivotal role in addressing food security challenges through the development of high-yielding forage seeds suited to Nigeria's tropical conditions. He also highlighted the unit's role in supporting the effort of the Director, Animal Husbandry Service, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Mrs. Winnie Lai-Solarin.

The event, which was also organized to mark the National Pasture Planting Day and celebrate ILRI's golden jubilee anniversary, had in attendance other dignitaries including the Representative of National Project Coordinator L-Pres, Nazif Ibrahim Wada, Representative of Sahel Consulting, Fisayo Kayode, among others.

Attendees shared their thoughts on what should be done to promote the sector, including provision of technical supports, institutions, and private sector supports, making pasture production lucrative, increasing training opportunities for livestock farmers and herders, improving extension works, and increasing research to generate expected success and growth.

Overall, the launch of the Forage Genetic Resource Unit is a significant step towards revolutionizing livestock farming in Africa, ensuring food security, and promoting sustainable livestock development across the continent.