Written By: Ahmed Rufa’i in Dutse
The Jigawa State Ministry of Livestock Development has vaccinated more than two million animals against various diseases as part of efforts to improve animal health, boost livestock productivity and strengthen food security across the state.
Commissioner for Livestock Development, Professor Salim Abdulrahman, disclosed this while briefing journalists on the achievements and ongoing programmes of the ministry under the administration of Governor Umar Namadi.
According to the commissioner, the ministry has intensified disease surveillance and livestock vaccination campaigns across the 27 local government areas to protect animals from common diseases that threaten livestock production and the livelihoods of farmers and pastoralists.
Prof. Abdulrahman said the state government has also deployed veterinary doctors and animal health officers to villages and remote communities, particularly in areas with large concentrations of herders, to provide free medical examination and treatment for livestock.
He revealed that the ministry is finalising plans to introduce a mobile veterinary healthcare programme that will take animal healthcare services directly to rural communities and grazing settlements across the state.
The commissioner explained that the initiative would improve access to veterinary services, reduce livestock mortality and increase the income of livestock owners.
“These interventions are in line with Governor Umar Namadi’s 12-point agenda, which places emphasis on agricultural transformation, livestock development, job creation and economic empowerment of citizens,” he said.
Prof. Abdulrahman further disclosed that the ministry has embarked on programmes aimed at improving livestock breeding, pasture development and the provision of modern animal husbandry practices to farmers.
He said the government is encouraging communities to engage in fodder cultivation to ensure the availability of quality animal feed throughout the year, especially during the dry season.
According to him, extension officers have also been deployed to educate livestock farmers on disease prevention, modern livestock management techniques and sustainable grazing practices.
The commissioner noted that the ministry is working to strengthen peaceful coexistence between farmers and pastoralists through awareness campaigns and improved livestock management systems.
On fisheries development, Prof. Abdulrahman said the state government has revived the Kalgwai fishing programme, which has created new economic opportunities for fishermen and contributed to increased fish production.
He added that plans are underway to expand the initiative to other fishing communities across the state.
The commissioner said the programme has enhanced cooperation between local communities and fishermen while boosting economic activities around fishing clusters.
He further revealed that the government intends to introduce modern fishing technologies, improved fish processing methods and cold storage facilities to reduce post-harvest losses and increase productivity in the sector.
Prof. Abdulrahman assured residents that the ministry would continue implementing programmes aimed at modernising livestock and fisheries production, improving rural livelihoods and contributing to the state’s economic growth.
He reiterated the commitment of the Namadi administration to transforming the livestock sector into a major driver of employment, wealth creation and food security in Jigawa State.
