Mutfwang Unveils Livestock Initiative to Tackle Feed Scarcity in Plateau
By Comfort Pius
Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State has launched a major intervention aimed at addressing livestock feed scarcity, improving productivity, and strengthening extension services across the state.
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The initiative was unveiled by the Governor’s Senior Special Adviser on Livestock, Dr. Markus Avong, who represented him at the event.
Speaking during the distribution exercise, Avong said the programme is designed to convert agricultural residues such as rice straw and maize stalks into valuable livestock feed, thereby reducing waste and enhancing efficiency in the livestock sector.
“This is a new way of thinking where nothing is wasted and everything adds value,” he said.
A total of 420 agricultural assets were distributed to livestock farmers, including 100 forage crushing machines, 300 milking cans, and 20 motorcycles for extension agents.
According to Avong, the forage crushing machines will improve feed availability and nutrition, leading to faster livestock growth and increased productivity. The milking cans are expected to enhance milk handling and preservation, while the motorcycles will improve the mobility of extension officers, enabling them to reach more farmers at the grassroots.
The Plateau Agricultural Development Programme (PADP) is supporting the initiative, deploying over 430 extension personnel to ensure effective implementation across communities.
The state government is also investing in long-term infrastructure, including a modern livestock processing facility with a capacity of 500 cattle per day, aimed at boosting value addition and expanding market opportunities.
The initiative aligns with the National Livestock Transformation Plan (NLTP), which focuses on ranch development, pasture cultivation, and conflict resolution.
As part of the programme, over 30 hectares of Napier grass are being cultivated in Wase to support sustainable feeding systems and reduce farmer-herder conflicts.
NLTP Project Coordinator, Ali Dachin, said the effort is expected to create a mutually beneficial system for both farmers and herders.
Avong reiterated that the ultimate goal of the intervention is to achieve improved productivity, healthier livestock, and expanded extension coverage across Plateau State.