The International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) has disclosed its readiness to revolutionize livestock farming and ensure food security across the African continents through the launch of a forage genetic resource unit at the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Ibadan.
This assurance was made by the Director-General of ILRI, Professor Appolinaire Djikeng, during the official unveiling of the first ever Forage Genetic Resource Unit at ILRI’s country office in IITA, Ibadan, noting that the unit will be an extension of the ILRI Forage Gene Bank in Adis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Djikeng, at the event that also marked National Pasture Planting Day, explained that the genetic resource plots will bring a transformation to livestock production in Nigeria and beyond by providing quality forage seeds and planting materials for pasture development in Africa.
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The country representative of ILRI, Dr. Tunde Amole, disclosed in his remarks that the launch of the project marked a milestone in Nigeria’s agricultural sector, while emphasizing the role of the unit in addressing food security challenges through the development of high-yielding forage seeds suited to Nigeria’s tropical conditions.
Also speaking was the Director-General of the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Dr. Simeon Ehui, who eulogized ILRI roles in biodiversity conservation amid climate challenges, explaining that the genebank establishment will ensure biodiversity preservation for future generations.
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The Oyo State Governor, Mr. Seyi Makinde, was represented at the event by the Director-General of the Oyo State Agribusiness Development Agency (OYSADA), Dr. Debo Akande, who lauded the ILRI Nigeria team for its support at the Fashola Agribusiness Industrial Hub.
According to Akande, Oyo State is now the largest milk-producing place in Friesland Campina in Nigeria, and Fasola Agribusiness Industrial Hub is one of the places where milk is being produced. He is outlining plans for a new 3,000-hectare agribusiness hub in Eruwa that is meant to integrate livestock and crop production to bolster the state’s economy.
