by Laila Ibrahim

The Central Bank of Nigeria, is to provide a seed funding of N100 billion to assist states in establishing mini modern ranches across the federation.

This, is to ensure the establishment of infrastructure for grazing to curb the errant movement of nomadic farmers and ensure the production of healthy meat for consumption.

The recommendation of the seed fund was made by the grazing committee at the National Economic Council meeting which held at the Presidential Villa Abuja,attended by state governors, some members of the Federal Executive Council and chaired by the Vice President.

Briefing journalists after the NEC meeting, the Benue state governor, Gabriel Suswam said the Committee on grazing presented its report which included 15 recommendations, to Council.

Out of the 15 recommendations 1 was rejected. Council further set up an ad-hoc committee which include the Minister of National Planning, Minister of Agriculture and Benue State Governor to come up with the final framework for approval and implementation.

According to Suswam, the Committee amongst other things recommended that the CBN provide seed funding of N100 billion to assist States establish mini modern ranches across the Federation.

The committee also recommended that all grazing reserves and cattle routes already gazetted and encroached upon should be recovered and improved upon taking into consideration the present day realities.

It also recommended that ranching and Modern Technologies of Livestock Production be established for meat processing and packaging e.g. Halal certified as well as a thorough sensitisation and education workshops for Herdsmen and Farmers to build trust and confidence between the parties , which include the National Orientation Agency and other relevant Ministries Departments and Agencies of government.

The other parts of the committee’s report centred on the struggle for land and water resources by the Herdsmen and Farmers, uncontrolled influx of Nomadic Farmers into Nigeria and the Issues on Grazing Reserves in States.

Council also deliberated on a draft report of the Presidential Technical Committee on Land Reforms (PTCLR) submitted by the Secretary to the Governor of the Federation, Anyim Pius Anyim.

The Committee was set up by the President in November 2011 to amongst other things provide technical assistance to states and local governments to undertake land cadastral nationwide.

Council passed the report to its members to study, prepare inputs and present at the next meeting. Suswam also said the Cross River state governor, Liyel Imoke, presented a report on malaria which was inconclusive and discussions will be continued in the next meetings.

YEditor