Sokoto reserves 1000 hectares of land for herdsmen

Aminu Tambuwal, governor of Sokoto state, says 1000 hectares of land will be kept as grazing reserves for herdsmen and herds owners.

The sites will be located in six local government areas of the state.

The government said it would also provide lands for commercial agriculture to any private investor willing to go into mechanized farming in the state.

The governor made this known while speaking at the opening of a national retreat on Livestock and Dairy Development organised by the ministry of agriculture and rural development.

“A properly-structured and well-managed grazing reserves will improve the well-being of our cattle,” he said.

“With it, we can monitor what they eat, and correctly estimate outputs we are likely to get from their products.

“My thinking is that herdsmen move about in search of greener pasture, if we can bring the green pasture to their doorsteps, I am sure they will be willing to settle down.

“Sokoto will support every initiative aimed at improving our livestock and dairy sub-sector.”

Tambuwal said his administration would launch a commercial dairy farm before the end of the year.

“We are working with our partners in Argentina to ensure the realisation of the project. Our target is to commence operation in October this year and we hope it will contribute to increasing the total volume of milk produced in the country,” he said.

“It is an important project because it will provide job opportunity for our citizens, and will improve their knowledge on how to handle modern farm.”