By Muhammad Sani Muazu
The Bauchi State Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support (L-PRES) project has commenced the training of 50 Artificial Insemination service providers at the National Animal Production Research Institute (NAPRI), Shika, Zaria, Kaduna State.
The training aims to enhance livestock production, commercialization, and resilience within the livestock value chain.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, the Executive Director of NAPRI, Prof. Mohammed Rabiu Hassan, emphasized the timeliness of the training, highlighting that Nigeria’s abundant resources have often led to the livestock sector being overlooked despite its vast potential.
He noted that through Artificial Insemination techniques, participants would acquire new skills and knowledge critical for advancing the livestock sector. Prof. Hassan added that maintaining large numbers of male animals is unnecessary, as a few female animals can provide sufficient milk to drive job creation, increase income, and improve livelihoods. He assured the participants of the institute’s capacity to deliver the required skills and urged them to focus during the training.
In his remarks, the State Project Coordinator, Musa Adamu One, represented by the Animal Husbandry Services Officer, stated that the L-PRES project aims to improve livestock productivity, commercialization, and resilience in targeted livestock value chains while strengthening the country’s capacity to respond to emergencies.
He described NAPRI as a renowned institution for animal production training and noted that the Bauchi L-PRES had recently organized a training for pastoralist women on milk hygiene and collection protocols to enhance livestock production in the state.
The Coordinator acknowledged the support of the National L-PRES Coordinating Office and the World Bank in ensuring the project’s success, not only in Bauchi State but across all participating states in Nigeria.
He encouraged participants to take the training seriously, as they are expected to disseminate the knowledge and skills gained to their respective communities.
Participants were also given a comprehensive tour of the institute’s training facilities.