Kogi L-PRES begins five-day training on high-quality cassava peel utilisation

The Kogi State Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support Project (L-PRES) has commenced a five-day training on the utilisation of High-Quality Cassava Peel (HQCP).

The training, which is currently being held in Ibadan, was organised by Kogi L-PRES in partnership with the International Livestock Research Institute Ibadan, with participants drawn from the Project, State Agricultural Development Project (ADP), and fabricators.

The team consists of eight L-PRES staff, eight Livestock Extension Agents, and two Agricultural Equipment Fabricators/Vendors, all expected to gain practical experience in processing and utilising HQCP as a cost-effective alternative feed for small ruminants.

State Coordinator of L-PRES, Otaru Abdulkabir Onoruoyiza, said the training was to promote local content in providing feeds for ruminants.

According to him, the extensive training is to build the capacities of participants on alternative livestock feed in line with global standards.

Onoruoyiza emphasised the importance of integrating HQCP technology into the local livestock production system.

He stated that upon completion of the training at ILRI, Ibadan, the participants are expected to step down the training for 1,500 livestock farmers at various clusters across the state.

He noted that the initiative would not only reduce feeding costs but also promote sustainable livestock farming in Kogi State.

He pointed out that the Project is taking advantage of the potential of Kogi as the largest producer of cassava in the country to produce cassava peels for ruminants.

Onoruoyiza charged the participants to be focused and learn the necessary skills in a bid to step down the training for farmers.

In his remarks, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Timothy Ojoma, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Engineer Abdulsalam Sagir, encouraged the participants to maximise the training opportunity, acquire valuable knowledge, and apply innovative solutions to drive livestock development and resilience in the state.

The training underscores Kogi L-PRES’ commitment to fostering sustainable agricultural practices, improving livestock nutrition, and enhancing food security across the state.

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