The National Association of Pasture and Livestock Feeds Producers, Processors, and Marketers of Nigeria, Plateau chapter has inaugurated its newly elected leaders.
Chairman of the Association, Plateau Chapter Chief Alhassan Yakmut, while speaking after the inauguration in Jos, said that the chapter was established to be part of the agricultural system and programs in Plateau State.
Yakmut said that pasture production, processing, and marketing could play a significant role in the growth of the state economy.
He added that the interesting part of the business was that every landowner could be part of the business.
According to him, what is required is the technical know-how, the partnerships, and the networks that will be established.
“The first area of connection is that Plateau is an agrarian state, and again, we have 90 percent of the population of agricultural practitioners growing crops or raising or livestock farmers and livestock covers from cattle, sheep, goat, 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 gender, or age, or investors, or entrepreneurs,” he stated.
Yakmut said that the business is profitable to farmers that have ranches and those that graze openly.
He said that Plateau weather was very conducive for the business as there large span of uncultivated land for the business.
“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”.
On his part the Special Adviser to Plateau Governor on Entrepreneurship Hon. Joseph Gyang said that the state government was passionate about entrepreneurship and agriculture.
Gyang said that the state government is empowering the youths and women in agriculture.
The special adviser stated that the production and marketing of feeds would greatly impact entrepreneurship in Plateau.
He said that government was willing to partner with the association to boost the business in the state.
A member of the Association and former Chairman of Riyom Local Government Hon. Mafeng Gwalson appreciated the chairman for ensuring that women were part of the association.
Gwalson said that business would enhance the economic status of women in Plateau and Nigeria in general.
