FG establishes estate on 100 acres

The federal government has created an integrated farm estate on 100 hectares of agricultural land in Sokoto, including cattle ranching, cowsheds and milking parlours, maize and millet plantations.

It said the facility, which is being developed by the National Agricultural Land Development Authority, would be self-sustaining and reduce the movement of cows in the area and stop clashes between herders and farmers.

The Executive Secretary, NALDA, Paul Ikonne, who inspected the livestock farming on the 100 acres of land and a poultry feed mill established by the authority, said he was pleased with the level of work in the facilities.

He explained in a statement in Abuja on Monday that the modern livestock farm had cowhouses with a capacity of 500 cows, a cow parlor with a capacity of 200 cows in a set, napier grass on 50 hectares, while the construction of clinics/veterinary sections and a training center were in progress.

“The essence of this is based on Mr. President’s directive to NALDA, which is consistent with NALDA’s mandate,” Ikonne stated.

He said NALDA is committed to achieving food security and development, adding that the farm would generate employment, hygienic milk production and fattening cows for meat.

At the same time, according to the NALDA boss, the farm would train and encourage young farmers to work in animal husbandry and animal nutrition.

The 100-hectare farm is located in Dabagin-lafia, opposite Usman Danfodio University farm, while the poultry feed factory is located in Dayin village along the road to Doba, Sokoto State.

“NALDA is partnering with Prime Ranch Ltd, who donated the 100 acres of land where we are establishing the ranch and napier grass field and will grow maize and millet on 30 acres of said land,” Ikonne said.