The Alternative Bank, PLASU Unveil Breakthrough in Livestock Feed Innovation

A new chapter is opening for Nigeria’s livestock sector as The Alternative Bank and Plateau State University (PLASU) unveil Alfalfa, a high-protein forage crop set to transform animal nutrition and reduce farmer-herder conflicts. The breakthrough was showcased at PLASU’s Green Field Day on Alfalfa Adaptability and Performance Trials, held at the Faculty of Agriculture Research Plot in Bokkos, where researchers highlighted the crop’s impressive performance under Plateau’s climate conditions.

Early results from the trials show Alfalfa thriving in local soils, achieving germination rates above 85 percent and growing to heights of over 66 centimeters within 13 weeks—figures that match global standards. With projected yields of up to 20 tonnes per hectare annually and crude protein levels aligning with international benchmarks, the crop is being hailed as a game-changer for Nigeria’s dairy and beef industries.

The Alternative Bank’s Chief Executive Officer, Hassan Yusuf, described the development as a milestone that could redefine livestock farming and secure the nation’s food future. He emphasized that the collaboration between PLASU and the bank not only advances agricultural science but also provides a model for how academia and financial institutions can work together to deliver sustainable solutions.

PLASU’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Shedrack Gaya Best, praised the initiative for positioning the university as a hub of agricultural innovation, equipping students with practical knowledge, and opening doors to agribusiness opportunities. Plateau State’s Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr. Sunday Akpa, pledged government support to expand the project across all 17 local governments, describing it as a pathway to unlocking the livestock value chain, improving rural livelihoods, and strengthening food security.

The Alfalfa project stands as part of The Alternative Bank’s wider mission to invest in regenerative agriculture and research-driven innovations. By bridging finance and science, the bank is demonstrating its commitment to building resilient food systems and creating opportunities that extend beyond the farm into the heart of Nigeria’s economy.