By Peter Amine
The National Association of Pasture and Livestock Feed Producers, Processors, and Marketers of Nigeria, Plateau chapter, has been inaugurated.
Chief Alhassan Yakmut, Chairman of the association, said that the chapter was established to be part of the agricultural system and programmes on the Plateau.
Yakmut said that pasture production, processing, and marketing could play a significant role in the growth of the state economy.
The chairman stated that the interesting part of the business was that every landowner could be part of it.
According to him, what is required are the technical know-how, partnerships, and networks that will be established.
“The first area of connection is the Plateau agrarian state, and again, we have 90 percent of the population of agricultural practitioners as crop or livestock farmers.
“And livestock covers cattle, sheep, goats, poultry, and other brands like piggery, and they all need pastures.
“And again, it has been discovered that the pasture business all over the world is about $1 trillion. And what is our part and share in that kind of arrangement?
“So a new window has been opened for economic expansion. This is an empowerment for all people in Plateau, whatever their gender, age, investors, or entrepreneurs,” he stated.
Yakmut said that the business is profitable for farmers that have ranches and those that graze openly.
He said that the Plateau weather was very conducive for the business, as there was a large expanse of uncultivated land.
“The law on open grazing and ranching has two things that will add value to pasture management and livestock feed production.
“Because whether you are doing your business openly in terms of open grazing or you’re doing ranching, you still need livestock feed.
“Apart from local use, pasture can be exported, and it can be preserved for 15 years.
‘And then the tonnage in the market, the tonnage of the grass, is costlier than corn,” he added.
Mr Joseph Gyang, the Special Adviser to the Plateau Governor on Entrepreneurship, said that the state government was passionate about entrepreneurship and agriculture.
Gyang said that the state government is empowering youth and women in agriculture.
The special adviser stated that the production and marketing of feeds would greatly impact entrepreneurship in Plateau.
He said that the government was willing to partner with the association to boost business in the state.
Princess Abus Izang, a member of the association, appreciated the chairman for ensuring that women were part of the association.
Izang said that business would enhance the economic status of women in Plateau and Nigeria in general.