Governor Abubakar Sani Bello of Niger State has described India and Pakistan as a potential but critical partner in the strategic development of its Ranching and Livestock programme.
Igbere TV reports that the Governor, who spoke shortly after visiting embassies of the two countries in Abuja, to seek for support, disclosed that the state intends to adopt the ranching system of Cattle rearing, as against the nomadic style, in order to end the Herders and Farmers conflict in the state.
Governor Sani Bello stated that Ranching will not only avail the Herdsmen access to veterinary care for their animals but also afford their children the opportunity to go to school.
He outlined other major areas of collaboration with India to include; genetic engineering to improve animal variety, artificial insemination, embryo transfer and fertilization as well as milk processing and renewable energy through biogas from fresh Grass extract.
The Governor announced that the state government has since commenced the development of the reserves, with particular reference to the Bobi grazing reserve.
In their separate remarks, the High Commissioners of India and Pakistan, Abhay Thakur and Waqar Ahmad Kingravi acknowledged the potentials of Niger State and efforts by the government to develop the resource, and expressed their country’s willingness to participate in the mutually beneficial partnership.
