FG to clear 500 hectares of land for ranching in Benue – Minister
The Federal Government has announced plans to clear 500 hectares of land in Benue State to facilitate ranching and dairy production, as part of a broader effort to modernize Nigeria’s livestock industry.
Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Maiha, disclosed this during his visit to the Benue Livestock Investigation and Breeding Centre in Raav, Gwer East LGA. The minister noted that the 2,400-hectare facility, despite its vast land allocation, is currently underutilized, with only 37 animals and deteriorating infrastructure.
To revitalize the centre, the federal government will prioritize clearing 500 hectares for pasture development ahead of the rainy season, laying the groundwork for two key enterprises—dairy production and commercial ranching.
A committee will be established to propose a roadmap for rehabilitating the facility, with plans to introduce essential livestock structures such as isolation pens, maternity units, dipping stations, and housing for workers and researchers. The centre will also collaborate with Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University, Makurdi, to integrate academic research into livestock development.
Benue State’s Director-General of the Bureau for Livestock Development, Aondoakaa Asambe, welcomed the initiative, emphasizing that the development of ranching aligns with the state’s vision for sustainable livestock management. He noted that structured ranching systems could address security challenges and enable displaced farmers to return to their ancestral lands.
Governor Hyacinth Alia has reportedly supported efforts to transform the livestock sector, recognizing its potential to enhance economic opportunities for farmers, herders, and agribusiness investors.
Source- Premium Times
Expert Review for Agri-Food Stakeholders
The move to develop structured ranching and dairy enterprises in Benue represents a strategic shift toward modern livestock management. However, stakeholders must consider key factors to ensure the project’s success and long-term sustainability:
- Pasture Development and Land Management
– The initial 500 hectares must be developed with high-yield pasture species to sustain livestock productivity.
– Water access, irrigation, and climate adaptation strategies should be integrated to mitigate seasonal feed shortages. - Dairy Value Chain and Market Linkages
– Establishing a dairy processing hub within the facility would attract investment and create income opportunities for smallholder dairy farmers.
– The government should facilitate partnerships with milk processors to guarantee market access and stabilize prices. - Infrastructure and Investment Sustainability
– Adequate infrastructure such as cold chain storage, veterinary care, and quality control systems must be developed to support a competitive dairy industry.
– A sustainable business model, possibly through public-private partnerships (PPPs), is crucial to prevent project abandonment. - Stakeholder Engagement and Community Integration
-For ranching to work effectively, engagement with pastoralist communities and local crop farmers is essential to prevent conflicts over land use.
– A structured ranching system could offer alternative livelihoods, reducing open grazing and improving security. - Research and Capacity Building
– Collaboration with Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University should focus on research-driven livestock breeding, genetics, and productivity enhancement.
– Training programs for farmers and herders on modern livestock management techniques will be vital.
This initiative signals progress toward a more structured livestock economy, but its impact will depend on execution, stakeholder collaboration, and long-term investment strategies.”
