Borno Steps Up Plans to Expand Livestock Production and Processing

The Borno State Government says it will continue working with the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development to improve livestock production and develop processing opportunities in the state.

Deputy Governor Umar Kadafur stated this in Maiduguri while receiving the Minister of Livestock Development, Dr Idi Maiha, who was in the state to inspect projects under the Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support, L-PRES, programme.

Kadafur said the partnership would cover livestock production, breeding, fisheries, processing and value addition.

He said Borno’s large livestock population and strategic location give the state an advantage in developing the sector and attracting investment.

The minister inspected a liquid nitrogen plant at Mohammed Lawan College of Agriculture, as well as a gene plasm bank and exotic bulls acquired for cattle breeding and genetic improvement.

Maiha said the facilities support the Federal Government’s plans to develop Nigeria’s livestock industry.

He also commended the distribution of 3,000 cattle for restocking, saying the animals could supply raw materials for livestock processing facilities.

L-PRES State Project Coordinator, Dr Makinta Ali, said the liquid nitrogen plant can produce about 5,000 litres daily and store up to 10,000 litres.

He said the facility could generate about 500 million naira monthly when fully operational.

Meanwhile, the state government says it is considering a public-private partnership to establish a modern livestock processing facility capable of handling about 300 cattle and 500 goats and sheep daily, subject to technical and financial review.