Successive governments in the last 50 years have focused their attention on other sectors in Agriculture eg; Rice, cassava farming, and others and have continuously neglected herdsmen and their needs.
"Over the years, we haven't done much to look seriously into the issue of livestock development in the country. I am sad to tell you that in the last 50 years until recently, we may have done enough for the rice farmer, the cassava farmer, the maize farmer, the cocoa farmer, but we have not done much for herdsman and that inability and omission on our part is resulting into the crises we are witnessing today. In most part of the country eg, Europe, every cow that is farmed gets a subsidy of 6 Euros per day, we have done next to nothing for the cattle rearers and as a result, their operations have become threats to other farmers" he said
Ogbeh also added, plans are on the way for cattle rearers to stop roaming the streets and that pastures will soon be made available.
"At least, five
thousand hectres of land would be made available, adequate water,
adequate pasture would be made available. We also want to stop cattle
rearers from roaming about. The cattle will be provided with water and
adequate security by the Agro Rangers," the minister added.
