Food security: Experts seek adoption of modern techniques for livestock production

Experts in the livestock industry have called for adoption of modern livestock production to improve efficiency, productivity and food security.

The experts made the call at the 50th Annual Conference of Nigerian Society of Animal Production (NSAP) on Monday in Lafia, Nasarawa State.

Supreme news reports that the theme of the conference was: ‘Exploring Transformations in Animal Agriculture for Food Security, Wealth Creation and Economic Growth’.

Supreme news also reports that the conference, held at Federal University of Lafia (FULafia), was organised in collaboration with the institution’s Department of Agricultural Sciences.

The experts said that the theme of the conference was apt, underscoring the urgent need for innovation, collaboration and strategic planning to make animal agriculture a major contributor to the country’s economy.

They stressed the need for a paradigm shift from traditional to modern livestock production methods to properly harness its potential for the development of the country.

President of NSAP, Prof. Olaniyi Jacob-Babayemi, said that animal agriculture played a critical role in the country’s efforts at achieving food security, wealth creation and economic growth.

According to him, the world is changing rapidly, and the livestock production sector must adapt to the changes in order to remain relevant.

“We must explore new technologies, new business models and new partnerships to drive growth through livestock,” he said.

Jacob-Babayemi, who noted that almost every household in the country was involved in livestock production, advised practitioners to adopt modern techniques and engage in large-scale production to create wealth.

The Guest Speaker, Mustapha Popoola, lauded the President Bola Tinubu-led Federal Government for transforming the livestock sector in the country.

Popoola described the creation of Ministry of Livestock Development as a milestone that had changed the story of animal production for good.

He said that the livestock sector was projected to contribute over N1 trillion dollars to the country’s economic development annually.

The Vice-Chancellor of FULafia, Prof. Shehu Abdul-Rahman, appreciated the association for holding the conference at the institution.

Abdul-Rahman expressed optimism that the discussions at the conference would help government in its efforts at ensuring food security and wealth creation in the country.

On his part, the Abaga Toni of Toni Kingdom, Lawrence Ayih II, said that the conference would enable professionals to share experiences and ideas to enhance livestock production in Nigeria.

The traditional ruler, who was the chairman of the occasion, urged the practitioners to adopt modern techniques in view of the nutritional value of livestock to human development.

He called on government to address the security challenges, especially in the rural areas, to enable farmers go to farm without fear of attack