News in brief:
– Ondo State, in partnership with the Federal Government, distributed 165 fodder choppers to over 3,000 farmers.
– The intervention aims to improve livestock feed efficiency, reduce waste, and boost rural income and food security.
In a strategic move to strengthen food security and enhance livestock production, the Ondo State Government has partnered with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security to empower over 3,000 livestock farmers across the state.
As part of the initiative, 165 fodder chopper machines, also known as livestock feed-processing equipment, were distributed under the Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support (L-PRES) Project. The project is jointly implemented by the state Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry and the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security.
Tackling dry season feed challenges
Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa described the distribution exercise, which took place on Friday, as a bold step toward solving one of the critical issues facing livestock farmers—feed scarcity and low productivity, especially during the dry season.
“This exercise is not just about the handover of equipment; it is a significant step towards solving one of the most persistent challenges that have bedevilled livestock production across the country, among which are poor feed utilisation efficiency and low productivity among smallholder farmers,” the governor said, speaking through his deputy, Dr. Olayide Adelami.
He explained that sheep and goat farming in Ondo is a vital source of livelihood and food security for many rural dwellers. Yet, its potential has remained largely untapped due to a lack of quality feed.
Practical and impactful solution
According to Governor Aiyedatiwa, the 165 fodder choppers will allow farmers to process crop residues and forage into more digestible forms, drastically reducing feed wastage and increasing nutritional efficiency.
“This intervention will lead to improved weight gain and productivity in small ruminants, shorter production cycles, and increased income for rural households. It will also enhance resilience against climate-related feed shortages,” he added.
Call for responsible use and knowledge sharing
The State Coordinator of the L-PRES Project, Mr. Olufemi Adeogun, described the intervention as a symbol of the government’s commitment to value-chain development and agricultural mechanisation.
He urged the beneficiaries to use the equipment efficiently, share knowledge with fellow farmers, and maintain the machines properly.
“Let us work together to scale up best practices that can be replicated across the country,” he said.
The partnership is expected to not only improve livestock productivity but also boost rural livelihoods and create a more resilient agricultural economy in Ondo State.
