The Enugu State Government has embarked on a training program for livestock farmers in the state, focusing on modern artificial insemination techniques.
According to Permanent Secretary of the State Ministry of Agriculture, Victor Ngwu, “the trainees could actually establish their own ranches on completion of the training”.
The training, which commenced on November 24 at the National Animal Production Research Institute in Zaria, Kaduna State, is expected to end in December. Ngwu noted that the training is part of the administration’s efforts to grow the state’s economy, particularly through the agricultural sector.
Governor Peter Mbah’s vision is to move the state’s economy from $4.4 billion to $30 billion, and Ngwu emphasized that this goal is achievable with significant investments in agriculture.
He urged the trainees to take the training seriously, as a lot is expected from them by the state government.
State Project Coordinator of the Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support Project (L-PRES), Dr. Ifeyinwa Nnajieze, explained that the governor is committed to diversifying the state’s economy through the livestock business.
“We are here to enhance livestock productivity in the state… Enugu State, for a long time, has neglected the livestock sector, and we want to resuscitate, revitalise, and rejig the sector”.
The training program aims to equip Enugu-based livestock farmers with the necessary skills to manage artificial insemination.
Value Chain Officer of L-PRES Enugu State, Mrs. Mamel-Akpata Chinenyenwa, stated that the training will expose participants to AI centre plans and equipment, as well as teach them the required skills for male selection, semen collection, and other processes ¹.