The Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Maiha, has said the Federal Government will clear 500 hectares of land in Benue State to promote ranching and dairy production.

Mr Maiha disclosed this on Saturday during his visit to the Benue Livestock Investigation and Breeding Centre, Raav, Gwer East Local Government Area of the state.

He said that the 2,400 hectares allocated to the centre was sufficient for ranching and dairy, adding that the FG would begin with clearing 500 hectares.

He regretted that the centre, with over 2,400 hectares, currently has only 37 animals, and its facilities dilapidated and needing full rehabilitation.

Mr Naiha stated, “We will form a small committee to suggest ways of moving this place forward. We aim to establish two enterprises here: one for dairy, the other for ranching. 2,400 hectares is sufficient, so we will initially clear 500 hectares to receive pasture before the rains this year.’’

The minister added that the committee would propose facilities such as pens, isolation centres, maternity pens, dips and other support structures including housing and chalets.

He explained that the centre would collaborate with Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University, Makurdi, for research purposes.

 Speaking during the visit, Director-General, Benue Bureau for Livestock Development, Dr Aondoakaa Asambe, said the initiative aligned with the state government’s vision for the bureau’s creation.

 Mr Asambe noted the state government believed that ranches would address security challenges and allow farmers to return to their ancestral lands.

 He said the state government took a pragmatic step to build a reliable livestock industry that brings economic benefits to the people.

 He commended the state Governor Hyacinth Alia for supporting the bureau in achieving its livestock development mandate.

 The minister earlier visited the Benue Swine and Crop Improvement Project, Yadev, Gboko LGA, and the International Cattle Market, Makurdi. 

(NAN)