The Governor of Katsina State, Dikko Radda, wants to stop exporting livestock in their raw state. Instead, he aims to promote local meat processing. This plan is part of efforts to create jobs, boost earnings for livestock farmers, and strengthen the state’s economy.
Mr Radda shared this information on Saturday at the North-West Agriculture and Livestock Stakeholders’ Symposium in Katsina. The event brought together government officials, livestock traders, transporters, development partners, and security stakeholders. They gathered to discuss the challenges and opportunities in the agricultural sector of the region.
The governor explained that this policy is part of a larger effort to make agriculture and livestock development key players in economic growth and poverty reduction in Katsina and the entire North-west region.
“We are committed to ending the practice of exporting livestock in raw form. Our focus is to process meat locally, create jobs for our young people, strengthen the local economy, and improve the earnings of livestock farmers through value addition,” Mr Radda said.
He mentioned that the state is already building a modern slaughterhouse. This facility aims to enhance meat-processing standards, hygiene, and value addition in the livestock sector.
Mr Radda also highlighted the importance of agriculture and livestock. He sees them as vital for food security, job creation, and economic development. He believes boosting agricultural productivity is one of the best ways to cut down poverty in the North-west.
“If we must effectively tackle poverty in the North-West, agricultural productivity must be significantly improved,” he stated.
The governor pointed out several challenges facing the sector. These include insecurity, poor transport systems, weak market structures, climate issues, and limited access to finance.
According to him, the state government is acting by upgrading markets, promoting livestock development, running agricultural support programs, and partnering with private investors and development organizations.
Mr Radda said the state’s ward-based agricultural empowerment program now covers all 361 political wards. The program mainly focuses on women and small-scale farmers.
He also talked about a goat breeding center at Larinawa. He plans to expand this center into a bigger livestock development hub. Additionally, seven zonal veterinary clinics will be set up to improve animal healthcare services.
The Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Maiha, praised the Katsina government’s efforts in agriculture and livestock. He called these moves strategic and capable of changing the sector.
Mr Maiha said the future of livestock development is in processing animals near production centers. He emphasized transporting packaged meat using efficient cold-chain systems instead of moving live animals long distances.
“The establishment of modern abattoirs and meat processing facilities will create jobs, increase revenue generation and stimulate growth across several related industries,” the minister stated.
He also suggested turning the Mai’adua International Livestock Market into a modern livestock exchange hub. This hub would use digital technology to attract both local and foreign investments.
The minister expressed concern about how multiple security checkpoints affect livestock transportation. He called for better cooperation between the government and private sector to improve the livestock value chain.
The Katsina Commissioner for Livestock Development, Ahmed Mohammad, said the ministry has started campaigns across the state’s 34 local government areas. These campaigns aim to mobilize people for its goat-rearing empowerment program.
He noted that extension workers and veterinary personnel would collaborate with livestock cooperatives. They will also conduct regular reviews to tackle any challenges in implementation.
“Our goal is not just to distribute goats, but to create entrepreneurs who can compete in local and regional markets,” Mr Bakori said.
Also addressing the audience, the National Chairman of the Amalgamated Union of Foodstuff and Cattle Dealers of Nigeria, Kabiru Dabai, urged officials to tackle issues affecting the movement of livestock and agricultural goods across the country.
The symposium, themed “Enhancing Road Safety in Livestock Transportation and Addressing Blockages on National Highways,” focused on ways to improve livestock transportation, strengthen agricultural value chains, and boost food security in the North-west.
Drop your comment
No comments yet — be the first to drop the gist 👇