FG, stakeholders to tackle challenges in animal feed sector

The Federal Government says it is collaborating with other stakeholders in the sector to mitigate the challenges against the animal feed sector in Nigeria.

This is contained in a statement by Mohammed Gana, Information Officer II, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development on Wednesday in Abuja.

Gana said the Permanent Secretary of the ministry; Dr. Ernest Umakhihe said this at the review to produce a new national animal feed policy document in Abuja.

The permanent secretary was represented by the Director of Special Duties, Mrs. Fausat Lawal.

Umakhihe said the move was geared towards achieving the desired roadmap for animal feed and mitigating the challenges against the animal feed sector.

He said that the review was aimed at providing a draft document ahead of the upcoming second Animal Feed Summit.

Umakhihe said that a draft Feed Policy document was developed at the end of the first Animal Feed Summit that was held on Sept. 23 to 25, 2021 in Abuja.

“Critical issues were raised on the need to strategically develop a comprehensive feed sector database and harness crop residues to boost feed security,” he said.

He urged the participants to use the consultative meeting as a call to national duty to develop a well-reviewed animal feed policy for the country.

The permanent secretary said this would be tailored towards an actionable plan to attain sustainable animal feed security in the country.

The Director, of the Department of Animal Husbandry Services, Mrs. Winnie Lai Solarin said that the first summit started in 2020 with a zero-draft document.

She said that the first National Feed Policy brought about the copy that was being reviewed.

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In a  remark, the Director, of Animal Husbandry Services, FCT, Hajiya Umma Abubakar, said the policy guide would provide a comprehensive implementation of activities beyond local production.

She said it would also improve animal feed security in Nigeria.

Participants at the meeting were drawn from the Federal Capital Territory, Animal Husbandry Services Department, Federal Department of Veterinary and Pest Control Services, and livestock stakeholders among others.