Feed mill aims to resolve land disputes in Nigeria.

A new feed mill set up by Portuguese and Nigerian partners looks to ease tensions between livestock and arable farmers, and manufacture high-quality feeds. As well as manufacturing quality feeds for local poultry and livestock farmers and offering employment for local people, a feed mill can also help to resolve conflicts over land use, according to the former vice president of Nigeria, Atiku Abubakar. Speaking at a groundbreaking ceremony in Abuja recently, he said the establishment of feed mills can help defuse the conflicts between herders and farmers that are costing lives and livelihoods in his country, reports All Africa. Its located in the Idu Industrial District in the Federal Capital Territory, the feed mill is being set up by Rico Gado Nutrition Nigeria, a private limited liability company formed in 2013 as a joint venture between Rico Gado Nutracao S.A. of Portugal and GeseDerdirabe Holdings of Yola in Adamawa State, which is owned by Abubakar. Rico Gardo’s first factory in Nigeria was commissioned last year in Yola. According to Abubakar, the feed produced there has already helped reduce the land area required to raise cattle. “The Yola mill produces 20 metric tons per hour of carefully balanced and locally sourced quality feed for a wide range of livestock, including poultry, cattle, goats, and horses,” he said. “We are also contributing to job creation, technology transfer and progressive change in farming culture. We believe there is a future in farming.” The new feed mill in Abuja is expected to be completed by early 2017 and to have a capacity of 50 metric tons per hour. Representing the Portuguese partner, Rico Gado, Joaquin Da Silva said the new mill has great potential to change the face of livestock production and make a positive impact on socio-economic development in Nigeria. read more at wattagnet.com