FG Release Statistics Of Livestock In The Country

Speaking at a news conference in Abuja, Mr. Ogbeh said the 2011 National Agricultural Sample Survey on Nigeria’s livestock showed that the country had an estimated 19.5 million cattle, 72.5 million goats, 41.3 million sheep, 7.1 million pigs and 28,000 camels.

In addition, 145 million chickens, 11.6 million ducks, 1.2 million turkeys and 974, 499 donkeys.

The minister said the figures places Nigeria as the number one country in livestock ownership in Africa.

He however lamented on the low level of utilization, as the demand of animal protein has not met national interest or contributed to the GDP of the country.

According to Mr. Ogbeh, a cow in Saudi Arabia or Brazil produces 30 to 40 litres of milk daily, while that of Nigeria manages to produce just one little.

“Saudi Arabia produces 4.7 million litres of milk daily while Nigeria imports about 1.3 billion dollar worth of milk annually to make up deficit.”

On the contrary he commended the livestock sector, as according to him only the sector of all the enterprise achieved a substantial level of commercialization, while noting that industries in the livestock sector were predominantly in the hands of subsistence farmers.

He said: “The way forward in improving our livestock and dairy industry is to intensify efforts on adding value to the industry along the respective livestock value chains.

“In line with our goal of attaining self-sufficiency in animal protein, this administration has set out to establish ranches to be planted with high quality improved tropical grass and legume species.

“We shall provide irrigation for all year commercial fodder production to enhance settlement of pastoralist and ensure cattle, sheep and goat improvement through an expanded breeding programme through artificial insemination.

“We shall group dairy farmers in clusters, build their capacity and equip them with milk collection facilities and facilitate single digit loan for them,’’ the minister added.

Mr. Ogbeh further revealed that a new disease ‘army worm’ has been affecting the production of maize in some parts of Edo State.

He however, urged all farmers to remain calm as relevant research institutes are working tirelessly to arrest the outbreak.