…as Ekiti L-PRES trains 200 livestock farmers on utilizing crop residues as animal feed
As part of steps towards promoting sustainable livestock production and reducing reliance on traditional feed sources for their animals, the Ekiti State Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support Project (L-PRES) has trained 200 Livestock Farmers in the State on the use of crop residue to tackle traditional feed challenges usually facing livestock Farmers
The 3-day training programme on the use of crop residues as alternative feed source which took place in Ado Ekiti was aimed at promoting sustainable livestock production by reducing dependence on the often expensive commercial feeds through the incorporation of crop residues into the feeding system of their animals
Speaking at the event, the State Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Hon Ebenezer Boluwade, emphasized the importance of exploring alternative feed sources, stating that the use of crop residue as animal feed is a game-changer for livestock farmers as this will not only reduce costs but also promote environmental sustainability.
Boluwade stated that the use of crop residue as animal feed would go a long way to mitigate the crisis between the Farmers and Herders urging participants at the training to turn the waste from farm produce to source of income.
He said this approach can be particularly beneficial for small holder farmers or those with limited resources, offering a sustainable way to improve animal productivity.
Boluwade stated that the Animal husbandry sector in the country is undergoing a significant transformation as it shifts away from traditional feeding practices.
In his remarks, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr Ebenezer Ojo, highlighted the State Government’s commitment to supporting the livestock sector, noting that the government is dedicated to providing farmers with skills and knowledge needed to succeed in this competitive industry.
In his contribution, the State Project Coordinator L-PRES, Mr Olayinka Adedipe who facilitated the training sessions providing participants with practical guidance on how to harness crop residue for animal feed, highlighted the environmental benefits of using crop residues as feed.
According to him utilizing crop residues as animal feed reduces waste, improve soil health and mitigate climate change stressing that this move would generate income for the farmers.
In their goodwill messages, the Chairman of Ekiti State, National Sheep/goat Development Association of Nigeria (NASGODAN), Alhaji Ellas Bello and the Chairman of Ekiti State Pig Farmers Association of Nigeria (PIFAN) Rev. Albert Aribisin appreciated the State government and L-PRES for organizing the training for the Livestock farmers in the State.
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The facilitators at the training including: Professor of Monogastirc Nutrition and Feed Resource Management; Prof. Festus Dairo and Professor of Ruminant Nutrition and Management, Prof. Pius Aye from the Department of Animal Science, Ekiti State University, Ado Ekiti, trained participants on Residue Management, Feed Formulation, Animal Nutrition and Crop Residue in ruminants amongst others.
At the end of the training session, participants including, Mrs. Olabisi Oderinde and Mr. Benson Opeyemi said that training had exposed them to ways of diversifying their Agricultural enterprises and improving productivity in their farms .