28 July, 2024

In its bid to boost livestock production and economic growth in Gombe State, the state government has unveiled plans to establish 55 milk collection centres across the 11 local government areas of the state.

 

This was disclosed by the Gombe State Coordinator of the Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support (L-PRES) Project, Professor Usman Bello Abubakar, during a one-day stakeholders’ engagement program organized by the Gombe L-PRES Coordination Office in Gombe.

Professor Abubakar said the establishment of these collection centres would enable milk producers to maximize profits while minimizing transportation and other associated risks.

 

“These milk collection centres could employ at least 15-25 people, contributing to job creation, income improvement, and stimulating growth across various sectors of the economy,” he said.

 

“Following the establishment of these centres, a milk processing plant will be constructed to produce approximately 13 milk by-products.” He added.

 

The coordinator emphasized the importance of functional and active livestock cooperative societies to facilitate the implementation of L-PRES and other livestock project.

“We will form 55 milk producing cooperative societies, five in each of the 11 LGAs of the state. These cooperatives will be instrumental in executing subsequent project activities, such as the upcoming artificial insemination exercise aimed at crossbreeding improved breeds with local ones to enhance productivity,” he explained.

The decision to undertake these projects was informed by the successful outcome of Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya’s Morocco mission, which focused on agriculture and investment, including livestock.

 

The coordinator commended Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya for reviving the previously neglected grazing reserves and cattle routes in the state.

“His Excellency has issued a directive for the demarcation of cattle routes and grazing reserves in the state following the receipt of reports from the established committees,” he said.

This, according to Professor UB Abubakar will promote peaceful coexistence between herders and farmers while ensuring adequate pasture for livestock.

 

Stakeholders were briefed on the requirements for establishing cooperatives and given a two-week deadline to provide necessary information for the full implementation of subsequent activities and programs.