Innovative Agricultural Techniques for Small Farms
The Borno State Livestock Management Agency (BOLMA) has convened a strategic stakeholders’ engagement meeting aimed at advancing livestock breed improvement across the state as part of the Borno State Government’s broader agenda for agricultural transformation and economic development.
Declaring the meeting open at the BOLMA Headquarters in Maiduguri on Monday, the Chairman of the Agency, Alhaji Mohammed Aliyu Dili, said Governor Professor Babagana Umara Zulum remains committed to the development of the livestock sector and has directed the Agency to engage relevant stakeholders on strategies to improve livestock breeds, increase milk production, and introduce modern breeding practices comparable to those in other countries.
According to the Chairman, the Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support (L-PRES) Project, supported by the World Bank, is focused on strengthening livestock farming and development in the state.
He explained that the project emphasizes consultations with livestock farmers to identify their challenges and obtain practical suggestions that will guide government interventions.
He further disclosed that the Governor has directed BOLMA to embark on statewide stakeholder engagement and sensitization campaigns to educate livestock farmers on the benefits of breed improvement and modern animal breeding techniques.
Alhaji Dili revealed that the state government has already approved the deployment of the necessary equipment and acquired exotic breeding bulls whose semen will be extracted for artificial insemination across the state.
He explained that the initiative is designed to replace low-yield breeds with improved breeds capable of producing higher quantities of milk and enhancing livestock productivity.
Speaking at the meeting, the Director General of BOLMA, Dr. Bukar Ali Usman, mni, said the engagement aligns with the Agency’s mandate and Governor Zulum’s strategic vision of transforming the livestock sector through sustainable breed improvement.
He noted that the meeting was organized to brief leaders of livestock breeders’ associations on the government’s plans and the level of preparations already made toward implementing the programme.
Dr. Bukar disclosed that Governor Zulum has approved the initial artificial insemination of 3,000 cows across the state and added that the livestock breeding centre at the College of Agriculture has been completed and fully equipped, while the breeding bulls required for the programme are already in place.
He emphasized that advocacy and sensitization remain the first phase of the programme, urging stakeholders to step down the information to their members to ensure widespread awareness and participation.
The Director General expressed confidence that the Agency would achieve its strategic goal of improving livestock breeds within the shortest possible time through sustained collaboration with stakeholders.
Speaking on behalf of livestock farmers, Arc. Waziri Bulama commended the Borno State Government and the L-PRES Project for introducing the initiative, describing it as a significant step toward producing healthier and larger animal breeds with higher milk yields through artificial insemination.
He expressed optimism that continuous stakeholder engagement, effective monitoring, and strong collaboration would guarantee the programme’s success.
Other stakeholders who spoke during the engagement unanimously applauded Governor Babagana Umara Zulum for his unwavering commitment to livestock development in Borno State and pledged their full support for the successful implementation of the breed improvement programme.
Highlights was the power point presentation by the Director General on livestock insemination facilities ,different species of high breed animals and other vital livestock production facilities put in place by the Borno State Government