The Gombe State Government said it is ready to launch the Livestock production and resilience support project which is funded by the World Bank.
News.ng learnt that the Secretary to the Government of Gombe, Professor Njodi, said the state had been chosen to participate in the project, along with seven other states across the country, due to the state’s huge potential in livestock production.
He added that the state government was willing to contribute its quota to the project, as required to ensure its successful implementation for the benefit of livestock and crop farmers living in Gombe State.
The Secretary of State for Agriculture and Rural Development urges the national coordinator, the national coordination office, and the state coordination office to work together to carry out the project’s implementation successfully.
The project which is set to last for six years, is expected to strengthen the nation’s institutional framework for efficient livestock production, increase the knowledge of livestock farmers, strengthen the value chain, and lastly prevent and manage conflicts between farmers and herders.
The States Project Coordinator, Dr. Usman Bella, said that once the funds are disbursed, the project will begin to be implemented immediately. He added that the state will benefit from the establishment of modern slaughterhouses, dairy processing plants, and a Livestock service centre and that the project will also help to address environmental issues in the state.
Dr. Bello also said that attention will be given to the Wawa Zange grazing reserve, which has been facing a major challenge in terms of water supply. The project has identified this issue and will address it in the near future.