The Ondo State chapter of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), has abandoned the open grazing system and embraced the feedlot operational system as an alternative.
MACBAN claimed the feedlot system will help them increase their profit and end the age-long acrimony with the local farmers.
The State Secretary of MACBAN, Mr. Ahmed Danna, disclosed this at a training programme organized by Ondo State Agribusiness Empowerment Centre (OSAEC), in collaboration with Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), to train and certify 150 pastoralists in cattle, sheep, and goat value-chain business in Ondo.
The five-day training program was organized for corporate bodies, the general public, and other stakeholders with an interest in agricultural value-chain business with a special emphasis on feedlot operational systems.
MACBAN noted that the training was a welcome development for the association, and maintained that the use of technology for meat production would increase their produce and profit margin drastically.
Ahmed Danna, who is the state secretary of MACBAN and also doubles as the Secretary of the cattle dealers in the state, urged the national body and other cattle rearers to try the initiative put in place by the Ondo State government, he, therefore, appealed for funding for effective start-up.
The Chairman of OSAEC, Mr. Akin Olotu, assured the participants that the adoption of the feedlot system would not only improve productivity and profit for the farmers but also reduce the clashes with the host communities.
He added that the state government had chosen to re-enact the ranching system introduced by late Chief Obafemi Awolowo in the Western Region.
The OSEAC boss also claims that it is partnering with notable financial institutions for funding.
On his part, the Governor of the state, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, urged the participants to think more about opportunities that abound in the entire value-chain of agriculture.
He was represented by the Head of Service, Pastor John Adeyemi, he said his administration thought it expedient to revamp and reintroduce feedlots, which was a variant of ranching with the support of FAO.
Akeredolu said it was another milestone geared towards creating jobs, ensuring food security, and promoting peaceful co-existence among inhabitants of the state via the eradication of farmers/ clashes.
