684 Farmers Trained in Modern Goat Farming Techniques

 The Gombe State Government, through its Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support (L-PRES) Project, has successfully trained 684 participants, including Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), women, retirees, and youth, in modern goat farming and marketing techniques.

The training, which took place at the Education Resource Centre in Gombe, was officially launched by the Commissioner for Agriculture, Animal Husbandry, and Cooperatives, Dr. Barnabas Malle. During the event, he highlighted the government's commitment to boosting the livestock sector and improving livelihoods, crediting the initiative's success to the leadership of Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya. Dr. Malle also stressed the importance of ensuring that vulnerable groups benefit from these government programs, aligning them with broader development goals. He urged participants to apply their new skills to increase productivity.

Professor Usman Bello Abubakar, the State Coordinator for the L-PRES project, emphasized that the training aims to empower participants to achieve self-reliance while improving goat farming practices across the state. He also discussed the rising global demand for goat meat and the government's efforts to establish Gombe as a key center for goat production, including plans for an advanced abattoir.

The training covered essential topics such as breed selection, nutrition, disease prevention, housing, and adding value to goat products. Additionally, participants learned marketing strategies and entrepreneurial skills to enhance both productivity and profitability.

Participants expressed their gratitude for the initiative, with Ja’o Sarkin Aiki, Chairman of the Association of Physically Challenged Persons in Gombe, praising the government for a program that they believe will significantly improve their livelihoods and promote self-sufficiency.