Gombe govt commences artificial insemination exercise for improved dairy production

Gombe State Government, through the Livestock Productivity Resilience and Support (L-PRES) project, has commenced an artificial insemination exercise targeting over a thousand local breeds for improved productivity and profitability.

The Gombe State L-PRES Project Coordinator, Professor Usman Bello Abubakar, announced this during a roundtable meeting with leaders of livestock farmers associations in the state.

He explained that the selection and assessment of eligible cows is currently underway and that the synchronization process for insemination has already begun in some areas.

“80% of the total target will be allocated to local livestock farmers, while 20% will be reserved for integrated farms,” the coordinator noted.

Abubakar reiterated that the project will establish milk collection centres, facilitated by farmer cooperatives, to supply the proposed milk processing factory.

“This integrated approach aims to enhance productivity, and profitability, and generate employment opportunities within the dairy sector,” he said.

The coordinator highlighted that the artificial insemination programme will serve as a practical demonstration for the local livestock farmers so that they can witness first-hand how it increased milk production and profitability.

He explained that the exercise is free, emphasising that the goal is to transform livestock farming from a traditional practice into a viable business to improve the livelihoods of the people of Gombe State.

“We will only inseminate animals belonging to established farmers who maintain their herds within Gombe State,” Abubakar clarified.

He urged farmers to actively cooperate and support the program, stressing the importance of transparency and integrity in all processes, and warning against any distortion or mismanagement of the initiative.

Responding on behalf of the leaders, the Chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) Gombe State chapter, Modibbo Yahaya, expressed appreciation for the L-PRES Project’s interventions and assured their full support for the artificial insemination program.

He called on all members to actively participate and support government policies and programs aimed at developing the livestock sector and improving productivity, efficiency, and profitability.

Also in attendance at the roundtable discussion were Ardo Chindo Abubakar, Chairman of the Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore Socio-Cultural Association Gombe State chapter, and Ahmed Bello, Chairman of the Jonde Jam Fulani Youth Association of Nigeria Gombe State chapter.

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