From Ovat Mike,
Onitsha
The South East Chairman, Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), Alhaji Gidado Siddiki, has called on the Federal Government to engage his members in mechanized grazing training, saying about 89 percent herders has no experience in that field.
Siddiki, stated this while speaking to journalists in Awka, the Anambra State Capital, on Saturday, in reaction to the decision of Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF) for the country to transit into modern systems of animal husbandry that will replace open, night and underage grazing across the country.
He disclosed that the association in the South East zone was in support of any government policy that would put to an end, the continued clashes between Fulani herders and farmers in the country. So long as the policy would be of benefit to both parties.
According to Siddiki, the governor’s position was a welcome development, but for the policy to work as expected, the following provisions must be in place for peace and equity; training/re-training of Fulani herdsmen on Mechanized Grazing, provision of land for Ranching in the 36 states of the federation and the FCT and a continue Town Hall Meetings between Government, Farmers and the Herders in the affected areas.
“The government should train us so that we can plan with the modern system of animal husbandry, because majority of us has no experience of mechanized farming. I believe with all this, it will bring to an end, the lingering crisis between the farmers and herder in the country, Siddiki added.
He noted that the National leadership of MACBAN had banned night grazing four years ago.
While commending the South East governors for their continued support to the association in the zone, he urged farmers and host communities where his people are residing to always report any disagreement to the security or other relevant authorities for prompt action to avoid loss of lives and destruction of property.
