Plateau reserves 30 hectares for cultivation of Napier grass

In a strategic move to boost local economies and strengthen Nigeria’s livestock industry, Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, has unveiled a plan to revitalize the livestock economy through structured grazing and fodder cultivation. Speaking during his official visit to Wase Local Government Area (LGA), the governor emphasized that Plateau has the potential to become a leading hub for livestock development, catering to both domestic consumption and export markets.

As part of this vision, 30 hectares of land have been allocated for the cultivation of Napier grass, a highly nutritious feed for livestock. This initiative aims to enhance animal husbandry, improve meat and dairy production, and generate internal revenue through exports. The governor noted that the vast grazing lands in Wase could be a key driver in realizing the federal government’s livestock development agenda.

However, a major challenge to this plan is the illegal occupation of parts of the Game Reserve by bandits. Governor Mutfwang assured that security measures will be intensified to reclaim the land for productive use. He also highlighted efforts to integrate pastoralists into a modern livestock economy, ensuring that they have access to structured grazing areas, adequate feed, and veterinary services.

To further support the initiative, boreholes are already being drilled to provide water for large-scale Napier grass cultivation, reinforcing the government’s commitment to making Plateau a livestock production powerhouse in Nigeria.
Source- Daily Trust

Expert Review for Agri-Food Stakeholders
Governor Mutfwang’s initiative presents significant opportunities and challenges for agribusiness stakeholders. The revitalization of the livestock economy could provide a structured framework for sustainable meat and dairy production while creating new agribusiness investment opportunities.

Key Opportunities:

1. Feed Production Expansion – The large-scale cultivation of Napier grass provides an investment opportunity for feed processors, livestock farmers, and export traders looking to tap into the growing demand for quality animal feed.
2. Livestock Value Chain Growth – With improved grazing reserves and structured pastoralism, stakeholders in meat processing, dairy production, and leather industries can benefit from a more stable and high-quality supply of livestock.
3. Export Market Development – With adequate policy support, Plateau State could position itself as a livestock export hub, driving foreign exchange earnings and contributing to Nigeria’s non-oil exports.
4. Technology Integration – The initiative opens doors for agritech solutions such as precision livestock farming, pasture management tools, and supply chain tracking to enhance productivity and efficiency.

Challenges to Address:

1. Security Concerns – The presence of bandits in grazing areas remains a significant risk. Without effective security measures, farmers and investors may be reluctant to commit to large-scale livestock projects.
2. Pastoralist Integration – Successfully transitioning traditional herders into a structured livestock economy requires policy frameworks, community engagement, and capacity-building programs to ensure adoption of modern livestock practices.
3. Sustainability of Fodder Production – Large-scale Napier grass cultivation requires proper irrigation and land management strategies to maintain long-term productivity and prevent environmental degradation.

Key Takeaways for Stakeholders:

1. Investors & Agribusinesses – Explore opportunities in livestock feed production, meat processing, and export-oriented value chains.
2. Government & Policymakers – Implement security strategies and develop pastoralist-friendly policies to ensure inclusive participation in the modern livestock economy.
3. Agritech & Innovation Experts – Introduce technology-driven solutions for sustainable pasture management, livestock tracking, and precision farming.
4. Export Traders – Tap into emerging international markets for grass-fed meat and dairy products, positioning Nigeria as a competitive livestock exporter.

If fully implemented with security and sustainability in mind, this initiative could be a game-changer for Nigeria’s livestock industry, unlocking economic growth and food security while positioning Plateau State as a livestock production hub for Africa.