The newly appointed Minister of the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development, Alhaji Idi Mukhtar Maiha, has said that his immediate task is to ensure the modernization of the country?s livestock sector.

In his maiden address to the staff in Abuja, Maiha said the livestock ministry was established to modernize the sector to address the challenges confronting the sector.

He said, ?As a practicing livestock farmer, I am not oblivious of the challenges facing this sector.

?From limited and high cost of quality feed, to disease outbreaks, farmer-herder?s conflicts, over grazing, ageing stocks, climate change, limited access to credit facilities and modern technologies as well as inadequate infrastructure just to mention but a few. These are significant hurdles, yet I believe they are not insurmountable.?

The minister said one of his top priorities was to ensure that the country?s policies and programmes empower stakeholders within the sector, from smallholder farmers to large-scale producers.

?We shall work to create an enabling environment that allows for investment, climate smart livestock farming, modernization and commercialization. Also, we shall prioritize maximum utilization and development of the nation?s grazing reserves as a sustainable approach to addressing farmer-herder?s clashes. Furthermore, we shall work towards incentivizing youths and women participation in livestock value chain as a veritable alternative to job creation, improved livelihood and wealth.

Alhaji Maiha emphasised ?that livestock is not just a sector; it is a way of life for millions of Nigerians and a vital component of our food security, rural development, and cultural heritage.

?Our mission, therefore, is not just to grow this sector but to transform it into a sustainable, resilient, and inclusive ecosystem for the private sector actors to thrive.? (Daily Trust)

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