By Murtala Muhammad
The need to ensure inclusion of Bauchi state in first phase of the Federal Government’s proposed National Ranching Programme has been advocated considering its endowed vast potentials in livestock and grazing land.
The Coordinator of Pastoral Resolve, PARE’s Bauchi State Chapter, Alhaji Shu’aibu Aliyu made the Advocacy in a statement made available to Radio Nigeria in Bauchi by its Knowledge and Communication Officer, Mukhtar Garba.
It says Bauchi State has met all the necessary requirements to make it worthy of smooth take-off of the federal government’s ranching initiative.
The statement notes that with its large pastoral population, cattle markets and available land, the state is strategically positioned to make the programme a success and put an end to farmers-herders clashes.
According to the statement Bauchi’s inclusion in the first phase of the programme will not only improve livestock productivity and reduce or end frequent clashes, but also improve the state’s economic base and create more jobs for the youths as well as pastoral communities.
It argues that the proposed Ranching Programme if successfully implemented, will also improve people’s livelihood aand return peace and normalcy that were seemingly absent in some communities.
The statement therefore urges the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development to fast-track the Bauchi state’s inclusion in the proposed ranching scheme among selected states in the country.
PARE added its commitment to sustain partnership with relevant stakeholders at the federal, state and local government levels.
