The Kwara State Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support Project (Kwara L-PRES) has concluded the ninth batch of its training program on Small Ruminant Production and Crop Residue Processing for Improved Utilization by Ruminants.
Just Event Online TV reports, The closing ceremony took place today at the National Centre for Agricultural Mechanization (NCAM), Ilorin.
The training, which commenced on Monday and ended today (Thursday), has now equipped 900 extension agents and farmers with knowledge and practical skills.
Speaking to newsmen, Dr. Hakeem Ajeigbe, Research and Grant Manager at Bayero University Kano, emphasized the impact of the program.
“This is the ninth batch, meaning 900 participants have been trained so far, with each batch comprising 100 individuals. The training is already yielding results, as previous participants have started commercializing their knowledge.
Some trainees have successfully processed feed into pellets, not just for personal use but for commercial purposes as well,” he said.
Dr. Ajeigbe further revealed that one of the participants has taken the initiative to train youths in his community with the support of Kwara L-PRES, helping to expand the reach of the program.
Prof Murtala Badamosi urged the NGO, CBO Private Organisation to key in to this project to support the government
Participants expressed gratitude to Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq and Kwara L-PRES for the initiative.
Mrs. Ajide Funmilola, the speaker for Batch 9 and a livestock farmer, described the training as a life-changing experience.
“This training has exposed us to opportunities that allow us to stand on our own without relying on white-collar jobs,” she said.
Similarly, Mr. Abdul, another participant, described the program as highly educative and interactive. He noted that the skills he acquired would serve as a sustainable source of income after his retirement from public service.
The State Coordinator of Kwara L-PRES, Mr. Olusoji Oyawoye, revealed that the initial plan was to train 200 people, but due to positive feedback, the number was expanded to 900.
“We have started seeing the impact among youths in the state. High-ranking personalities have attended the training, and the culture of burning or wasting crop residues is gradually fading. Instead, people are now processing them into animal feed, even in urban areas,” he stated.
Mr. Oyawoye expressed confidence that the trained participants would replicate the knowledge in their local communities, further enhancing livestock productivity in Kwara State.
