By Sylvanus Viashima, Taraba
TARABA (PRECISE POST) – Taraba State Government, in partnership with the Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support Project, L-PRES, on Saturday flagged off a statewide Mass Artificial Insemination Programme for cattle to improve genetics, milk and meat production.
The event held in Jalingo brought together government officials, development partners, livestock stakeholders and farmers.
The Managing Director of Livestock Genetics Africa Ltd, Emmanuel Nnoku, who is executing the programme in the state, said the intervention was aimed at transforming livestock farming through modern breeding technology.
He noted that Livestock Genetics Africa has deployed experienced technical personnel and is already implementing similar programmes in other states. He called for cooperation from farmers and stakeholders to ensure success.
“The essence of this programme is to improve the genetic quality of our cattle through modern breeding technology, with the ultimate objective of increasing milk and meat production, improving herd productivity and enhancing the economic value of livestock farming for our farmers,” Nnoku said.
The Taraba State Project Coordinator of L-PRES, Mr. Hananiah G. Albert, said artificial insemination would give farmers access to superior bull genetics without the cost of maintaining breeding bulls.
He added that the programme would be implemented across clusters and strategic locations in the state, with support from animal health and husbandry personnel. He urged livestock keepers to make their animals available and follow technical advice.
“Through the careful selection and use of quality semen, we can progressively improve important traits such as milk production, growth rate, fertility, disease tolerance, adaptability and overall productivity of our cattle,” Albert stated.
Also speaking, the Chairman of Taraba State Livestock Development Commission, TALDEC, Dr. Dauda Abubakar M. described the flag-off as a major step toward modernising livestock production.
“I commend the Taraba State L-PRES Project Implementation Unit and all technical partners for this initiative. I also urge our livestock keepers to embrace the programme and make full use of the opportunity being provided to improve the productivity of their herds,” Dr. Abubakar said.
He reaffirmed TALDEC’s commitment to supporting initiatives that improve animal productivity and enhance the livelihoods of livestock-keeping communities.
In his remarks, livestock farmer, former Deputy Governor of Taraba State, Alhaji Arma Yau, appreciated L-PRES and the Taraba State Government for initiating the cross breeding programme in the state.
He said the intervention would go a long way in improving cattle breeds and increasing productivity for livestock farmers in Taraba..
