…plans integrated pig farm, processing centre in the state

By Peter Duru, Makurdi

The Federal Government plans to designate Benue a Special Agro Processing Zone and also operate an integrated piggery farming and processing centre in the state.

The Minister of Livestock Development,  Alh. Idi Maiha who made this known weekend also disclosed the Federal Government’s intension to upgrade the Benue Swine and Crop Improvement Project, in Yadav, Gboko Local Government Area, LGA, of the state.

Speaking when he visited the site at Akperan Orshi Polytechnic, Yadev, Gboko LGA, the Minister who stated that the facility would be upgraded to meet the needs of the people emphasised that the “Federal Government plans to operate an integrated piggery farming and processing initiative in the state as Special Agro Processing Zone.”

While commending the existence of a swine project in the state, he regretted that the farm had only 79 pigs assuring that “the farm would be upgraded to operate at its full capacity of 3,000 pig holding. It would be a reproductive center where piglets would be produced for out-growers to buy.”

The Minister further disclosed that Federal Government would also encouraged the establishment of a small modular processing unit where pork could be process, packaged amongst others for sell.

At the Benue Livestock Investigation and Breeding Centre, Raav, Gwer East LGA, Alh. Maiha urged the Benue State Government, through the Bureau of Livestock Development, to clear 500 hectares out of the over 3,000 hectares available at Raav for livestock fodder production.

He emphasized that “the initiative would not only enhance fodder availability at the facility but also support other markets and create export opportunities” assuring that Raav had the potential to serve the nation and pledged to enhance capacity building and also introduce modern breeding systems at the Centre.

He however regretted that a Centre that was sitting on over 2,400 hactares of land had only 37 animals and completely dilapidated hinting that a committee would be set up to suggest ways to have its facilities such as pens, isolation centers, maternity pens and other auxiliary facilities like housing and chalets rehabilitated.

He also stated that the Center would collaborate with the Joseph Sarwua Tarka University Makurdi for research purposes.

Speaking on the visit and the expected outcomes, the Director General of Benue State Bureau for Livestock Development, Trans Border and Animal Control, Dr Aondoakaa Asambe attributed it to Governor Hyacinth Alia’s drive and vision for the state hence the creation of the bureau.

Asambe said the State Government believed that with the establishment of ranches, most of the security challenges facing the state would be addressed and farmers would be able return to their ancestral homes adding “it is a pragmatic step taken by the Governor to create a reliable livestock industry in the state to bring respite to the people.”

The Minister during the tour also visited the Makurdi International Cattle Market and held a closed door meeting with stakeholders in the livestock industry.