Grazing reserves essential to boost milk production.

The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Audu Ogbeh says the Federal Government is working toward setting up grazing reserves across the country to curb incessant clashes between herdsmen and farmers. Ogbeh, who spoke at the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) Forum in Abuja, said he was called all sorts of names for suggesting the importation of grass for the creation of reserves, which would solve the conflict and boost milk production in the country. He explained that there were grazing reserves in the country before and the cows were then properly fed and taken care of. The minister showcased Brazil ,“Brazil took grass from Africa 25 years ago and now, they are exporting same grass to Saudi Arabia. The minister explained that when he was newly appointed, he suggested grass planting by importing grass but was called all sorts of names. He stressed that it was impossible to have grazing reserves without grass. He explained that Saudi Arabia had the largest dairy farm in the world with about 135,000 cows in one farm. The cows are very comfortable housed in an air-conditioned environment. The cows produce milk in large quantities, which is now imported into the country. He noted that we need to improve our dairy industry, by placing cattle in conducive environment so that a cow can produce 25 to 40 liters of milk per day. more