By Lanre Shodimu
The persistent inadequate livestock feeds system, is a serious concern to livestock farmers, to address this concern, As a way of addressing this, Propcom+, a programme funded by the Foreign Commonwealth Department Office (FCDO) of the government of United Kingdom has supported Matura Agro farms to boost production of alfalfa grass in Jigawa State.
This laudable intervention is geared towards ending farmers/herders crisis, as well as improving the livelihoods of smallholder farmers.
Speaking during a visit Senior Portfolio to ?Matura Farms, the Manager of Propcom+, Ahmed Nuhu, stated that the intervention was aimed at addressing the supply and availability of quality fodder by livestock farmers.
“With the knowledge of what livestock immensely contributes to the methane emission globally, there is a need to test the commercial viability of commercial fodder production to unlock the sector”. He said.
Nuhu disclosed that Propcom+ had made available catalytic support grant to strengthen Matura Agro, in the installation of 55-hectare centre-pivot irrigation system to enable year-round cultivation of alfalfa grass for commercial purposes.
He added that the grant also funded a 100-kilowatt solar power system at the company’s processing plant, increasing hay processing capacity from an average of 10 tonnes per day, previously limited by unreliable electricity, to 80 tonnes daily.
“Support has increased capacity of the company to aggregate more grass from its outgrowers and strengthen supply chains” . He said.
In addition, he said two electric three-wheelers were deployed to pilot green logistics, while farmer engagement and aggregation systems were enhanced to promote inclusivity and resilience.
He said that the collaboration is structured to benefit both smallholder farmers and commercial producers, support the smallholder farmers to gain access to improved knowledge, inputs and guaranteed markets, leading to higher productivity and incomes.
He further explained that Propcom+ is an eight-year rural and agricultural market development programme running from 2023 to 2030. Funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), the initiative supports climate-resilient and sustainable agriculture and forestry that benefits people, climate and nature.
The programme is expected to impact 3.79 million smallholder farmers and small-scale entrepreneurs through improved incomes and enhanced climate resilience.
Overtime, the UK Government has expressed interest in supporting Nigeria’s local economy, promoting inclusive growth and strengthening economic ties between Nigeria and the United Kingdom.
