Kano State Agro Pastoral Development Project, KSADP, has solicited the support of the National Animal Production Research Institute, NAPRI, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, on fodder production in Kano.
The Project’s Livestock Specialist, Dr. Garba Saleh, who stated this during a visit to the institute’s Executive Director, Prof. Abdullahi K. Muhammad, explained that the project was desirous of the institute’s support in seed and pasture development, for quality animal productivity.
“At KSADP, we realized that sustainable livestock development is seriously affected by insufficiency of fodder so there is the need to focus attention on its development”.
“Quality fodder seeds ensure increase in fodder production leading to improved milk production and reduced feeding cost for herdsmen”.
“In addition, if sufficient fodder is available within our environment, seasonal migration and its attendant consequences like cattle rustling, farmer-herder clashes etc will drastically be reduced”.
He stated that the project would promote private sector interest and engagement in fodder production and marketing, in view of its income generating potentials.
“Just recently, Kano state government approved 1000 hectares of land for lease, for commercial, large scale animal fodder production under our project and this will enable us start our investment in commercial large scale fodder production, in partnership with the private sector”, he added.
The Livestock Specialist added that the project also targeted small holder investors in fodder production especially those within diary production catchment areas.
“At the moment, we intend to promote three fodder crops for improved milk production namely, Stylo, Nappeir grass and Gamba”, the Livestock Specialist added.
Dr. Saleh therefore, stressed the need for research institutes like NAPRI to provide the much needed technical assistance to make the project’s set goals achievable.
In his remarks, NAPRI’s Executive Director, Prof. Abdullahi K. Muhammad, assured of readiness to partner with the Kano Agro Pastoral Development Project, to develop fodder for animal feeding and any other form of assistance within the institute’s mandate.
