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FG Commits to Clearing 500 Hectares for Ranching, Dairy in Benue State – Maiha

Published

3 days ago

Mar 23, 2025.

Maiha expressed optimism about the potential of the 2,400 hectares allocated to the facility.
Asambe praised Governor Hyacinth Alia for supporting the bureau in achieving its livestock development mandate.
Maiha emphasized that the centre would collaborate with Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University in Makurdi to conduct research in the field of livestock development.

Idi Maiha, the Minister of Livestock Development, recently revealed the Federal Government’s intention to clear 500 hectares of land in Benue State to promote ranching and dairy production.

Eko Hot Blog reports that the announcement came during Maiha’s visit to the Benue Livestock Investigation and Breeding Centre in Raav, Gwer East Local Government Area.

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Despite the centre’s current dilapidated state and low animal count, Maiha expressed optimism about the potential of the 2,400 hectares allocated to the facility.

He stated that the government would begin by clearing 500 hectares of land to kickstart the ranching and dairy initiatives.

Mr Naiha stated, “We will form a small committee to suggest ways of moving this place forward.

We aim to establish two enterprises here: one for dairy, the other for ranching. 2,400 hectares is sufficient, so we will initially clear 500 hectares to receive pasture before the rains this year.’’

The Minister shared further details on the proposed infrastructure developments at the Benue Livestock Centre.

The plans include the construction of pens, isolation centres, maternity pens, dips, and additional support structures such as housing and chalets.

FG Commits to Clearing 500 Hectares for Ranching, Dairy in Benue State - Maiha

Maiha emphasized that the centre would collaborate with Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University in Makurdi to conduct research in the field of livestock development.

This partnership aims to ensure the project’s long-term sustainability and foster innovation within the industry.

Dr. Aondoakaa Asambe, Director-General of the Benue Bureau for Livestock Development, lauded the initiative, stating that it aligns with the state government’s vision for the bureau’s creation.

Asambe noted that ranches would help address security challenges and enable farmers to return to their ancestral lands.