ILRI unveils forage centre to boost Nigeria’s livestock industry

The International Livestock Research Institute has unveiled a Forage Genetic Resource centre to boost Nigeria’s livestock industry.

In a statement obtained from the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture on Wednesday, the Forage Genetic Resource (FGR) launched on 28th June at the IITA headquarters in Ibadan, would house over 80 cultivars and the accession of tropically adapted and improved forage for livestock in Nigeria and West Africa.

According to ILRI-Nigeria Country Representative, Tunde Amole, ILRI’s impact over the past five decades has contributed to improving food and nutrition security and reducing poverty in developing countries through research that ensures sustainable livestock systems.

Recall that President Bola Tinubu, recently approved the creation of a new Ministry of Livestock Development to reduce the decades-long gory conflict between farmers and nomadic cattle herders nationwide.

Highlighting the importance of having reliable production of high-quality forage for livestock systems, IITA Director General and CGIAR Regional Director for Continental Africa, Dr Simeon Ehui, during his opening remarks at the launch of ILRI FGR launch, said the launch which is an extension of a global forage genebank, marks a significant milestone in a journey toward enhancing the productivity and profitability of smallholder and other livestock systems in Nigeria.

“To have over 100 forage genetic materials in Nigeria for research, conservation, promotion, and distribution to farmers and stakeholders, the FGR initiative will support the development of pasture and livestock production in Nigeria and bolster the Federal Government’s efforts to curb the herders-farmers crisis and promote food and nutrition security,” Ehui said.

Amole expressed enthusiasm, the Director General pointed out that the FGR plot would enhance pasture production by developing forage varieties suitable for all livestock in Nigeria, adding that it would establish genetic resources plots to produce forage seeds for farmers and researchers.

During his goodwill message, IITA Business Incubation Platform (IITA-BIP) Chief Executive Officer, Adebowale Akande, shared insights on leveraging diverse partnerships for research scaling and acceleration by creating an enabling environment and structures that encourage collaborations.

During the launch, stakeholders explored strategies for strengthening the livestock sector and addressing the needs of a growing population in Nigeria and West Africa. Participants emphasised the importance of research institutes partnering with universities to train young people in maximising innovation in the sector.

The National Agricultural Extension and Research Liaison Services (NAERLS) South-West Coordinator, Adewunmi Adesina, suggested that ILRI leverage NAERLS’ extension activities.

He noted that these activities would facilitate knowledge transfer to smallholder farmers in Nigeria, thereby supporting their efforts to improve livestock production and sustainability.

The official launch of the FGR plot took place by planting various pasture varieties on the newly established resources plot. This hands-on activity showcased ILRI’s commitment to promoting sustainable pasture production and highlighted the practical applications of research efforts.

The demonstration illustrated how the FGR plot will be a pivotal resource for advancing livestock feed solutions in Nigeria and West Africa.

Lauding the FGR plot initiative, Ehui said that while genetic, management, and health interventions are essential for improving livestock productivity, these efforts are unsustainable without proper feeding.

“Currently, the demand for higher-yielding seeds outstrips supply, highlighting a critical area that requires our attention and action. This initiative will ensure reliable production of high-quality forage, which is contingent upon good quality forage seed availability,” he said.