The Kwara State government has completed capacity training for 1,000 farmers and extension agents on small ruminant production and crop residue processing for improved utilisation by ruminants.
The training programme, organised by Synergy Impact Limited, was supported by the federal government, the World Bank, and the Kwara State Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support Project (L-PRES).
Speaking at the end of the training programme for the 10th batch of the 1,000 beneficiaries in Ilorin, the state capital, the Speaker of the Kwara State House of Assembly, Engineer Danladi Yakubu Salihu, said that the programme has the capacity to improve agricultural productivity in the state.
He thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the L-PRES project and Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq for supporting the programme, noting that it has led to increased agricultural productivity in the state.
Represented at the event by the Chairman of the House Committee on Agriculture, Hon. Sabba Issa Gideon, the Speaker said that the programme has encouraged a significant number of youth, extension agents, and farmers to engage in small ruminant production and animal feed processing.
“With 1,000 trained youths in the state, you can imagine the multiplying effect of the training on members of their respective communities. They have learned improved methods of rearing ruminants, formulating improved feeds, and conducting medical treatment for the animals, among other skills. It has had a great impact on the state’s agricultural sector and is capable of improving the economy of the state. It has also created employment opportunities. A total of 1,000 beneficiaries is no small number.”
Hon. Gideon, who represents the Edu constituency in the Kwara State House of Assembly, said that the participants, drawn from all 16 local government areas of the state, would promote agriculture and the livestock sector in the state and beyond.
He urged the participants to make rational use of the knowledge acquired during the programme, emphasising the importance of crops and livestock as sources of protein, especially small ruminants.
“Producing small ruminants can serve as a basis for economic growth, even for active civil servants, as it can provide an additional source of income. This can be done through intensive or semi-intensive methods to complement socioeconomic well-being,” he said.
The lawmaker also advised participants to fabricate agricultural tools and machines provided during the training, such as crushers for crop residue processing to improve utilisation by ruminants, in their respective communities.
Also speaking, the state L-PRES coordinator, Soji Oyawoye, expressed optimism that the knowledge, skills, and confidence gained by the participants from the team of facilitators from Dryland Agriculture, Kano, would enable them to implement agricultural practices in their respective communities.
“As you return to your communities, I urge you to share the knowledge and skills you have acquired with your farmers, colleagues, friends, and family members. Remember, the success of this programme depends on your ability to apply what you have learned and to inspire others to do the same.
“You are now part of a network of professionals committed to improving small ruminant production and crop residue processing in Nigeria.
“I have no doubt that you will make a positive impact in your communities.”
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