The Katsina State Government plans to complete 10 ranches in the next few months having achieved almost 80 per cent in terms of infrastructure and pasture land development for ranches in 10 local government areas.
Dr. Lawal Bagiwa, Special Adviser to the Government on Livestock and Grazing Reserves disclosed this in an interview with some newsmen on the sidelines of the ongoing budget defence by ministries, departments and agencies before the State House of Assembly, Katsina.
Bagiwa said the ranches development programme in Jibiya, Batsari, Kurfi, Dutsin-ma, Kankara, Danmusa, Faskari, Sabuwa and Dandume local government areas will boast of livestock centres, educational centres, primary health care institutions, mosques, veterinary clinics, abattoirs and some houses among others.
He also noted the importance of the programme to enhancing co-existence between herders, pastoralists and other members of the society.
“We are establishing livestock centres in those areas so that both livestock farmers and other farmers can live together very well. There will be co-existence between herders, pastoralists and other members of the society so that there should be permanent peace,” he said.
The special adviser also stated that part of the money for the ranches development would be rolled over to 2023 for the completion of the programme.
He added: “In terms of budget for next year, we (the department) are targeting three billion naira. We don’t need much; just a continuation of our programmes, we don’t need new structures. The only thing is to maintain them and keep them running.”
The state, Bagiwa said, is blessed with vast livestock and their vaccinations are vigorously pursued by the government to prevent animal borne diseases, boost quality meat, skins and productivity of the animals.
“From the time I came on board till date, we have vaccinated over 1.8m large animals, 1.8m small animals and almost 5,000 dogs through routine vaccination every year.
“Our mandate is to prevent diseases from animals to animals and from animals to humans. In that process, a lot of things are involved but the foremost is routine vaccination.”
