The Alternative Bank, in partnership with Plateau State University (PLASU), has introduced Alfalfa, a high-protein forage crop, into Nigeria’s livestock system in what experts describe as a breakthrough for animal feed, productivity, and conflict resolution in the sector.
The initiative, funded by The Alternative Bank under its Corporate Social Investment programme, is already delivering strong results at PLASU’s Faculty of Agriculture Research Plot in Bokkos.
At the university’s Green Field Day on Alfalfa Adaptability and Performance Trials, researchers, policymakers, farmers, herders, and agribusiness leaders confirmed the viability of the crop under Plateau’s soil and climate conditions.
Presenting research findings, Associate Prof. Hosea Finangwai, Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture and lead of the project team, disclosed that germination rates exceeded 85 per cent within two weeks, while the crop reached 66.5cm in 13 weeks — consistent with global benchmarks.
He noted that projected biomass yields of 18–20 tonnes per hectare annually and expected crude protein levels meeting international standards position Alfalfa as a reliable feed for Nigeria’s dairy and beef industries.
Speaking on behalf of the Chief Executive Officer of The Alternative Bank, Mr. Hassan Yusuf, the bank’s Head of Agric Finance, Mrs. Ugonwa Ikegwuonu, described the trials as a milestone for Nigeria’s food security agenda.
“Alfalfa redefines livestock farming. It strengthens the feed base, empowers farmers, and secures the nation’s agricultural future,” she said.
The Vice-Chancellor of PLASU, Prof. Shedrack Best, represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration), Associate Prof. Keziah Ayuba, commended the initiative for positioning the university as a hub of agricultural innovation.
He stressed that the project equips students with valuable field experience and creates pathways for agribusiness entrepreneurship.
Representatives of the herder community welcomed the initiative, pledging their support, while the Plateau State Government assured of full collaboration.
However, the Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr. Sunday Akpa, announced plans to scale the project across all 17 local government areas of the state to unlock the livestock value chain and boost rural livelihoods.
The Alternative Bank said the Alfalfa project is a core part of its strategy to back agricultural value chains, promote regenerative farming, and advance university-led agribusiness solutions through non-interest financing.
