. . . As State Keys Into Livestock Transformation Scheme
The Gombe State Government has assured that grazing reserve facility in the state would begin operation in the state soon.
The Commissioner of Agriculture and Animal Husbandry, Muhammad Magaji Gettado, who disclosed the readiness of the government
to transform the grazing reserve in the state, said it is a way of keying into the vision of the National Livestock Transformation Programme of the Federal Government.
While on sites inspection, the commissioner expressed satisfaction on the level of work at the grazing reserve, he however, challenged the contractor handling the veterinary clinic to speed up work for herders to enjoy services to be provided.
The Emir of Dukku, His Royal Highness, Alhaji Haruna Abdulkadir Rashid II commended the state government on its efforts towards ensuring that the grazing reserve facility in the state begin operation soon.
While also adding that the synergy between the state, Federal Government and other relevant agencies to ensure the smooth implementation of the National Livestock Transformation Programme which seeks to boost the production of livestock and its value chain in the country is commendable.
The monarch said his emirate council is in full support of the initiative because of the fact that if fully implemented, the programme will not only help herders from risky distant travels by foot, but will also curtail the perennial farmers/herders clashes.
He added that the determination of the state government towards ensuring the revival of Wawa-Zange grazing reserve would help in revamping agricultural activities and livestock production in the state.
Sites inspected by the Commissioner include the completed 20-bed capacity hospital, the ongoing construction of a veterinary clinic and large expanse of ware hay currently being nurtured to maturity. Other areas visited by the Commissioner and members of his entourage included the already dredged dams located at the grazing reserve settlements centre and the one in Galumji recently awarded by the administration of Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya to harvest more rain water for the benefit of the livestock.
He said when eventually completed, the grazing reserve will house 6 hospitals, 6 veterinary clinics, a milk collection centre, 16 boreholes and a modern abattoir to add up to the existing schools for nomadic education.
“Gombe State Government will leave nothing to chance. We will employ health workers and veterinary staff to man each facilities when completed and ready for use and we are going to equip these facilities with state of the art equipment”.
He said Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya is committed to the successful completion of the project hence the award of contract for the dredging of two earth dams which were left unattended to since it was dug some 40 years ago.