Ondo trains over 1, 000 livestock farmers in modern techniques

No fewer than 1,000 livestock farmers in Ondo State have been trained on modern farming techniques and record keeping to enhance productivity and resilience in the sector.

The Ondo State Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support (L-PRES) State Project Coordinator (SPC), Mr Olufemi Adeogun, disclosed this on Thursday at the maiden graduation ceremony of the L-PRES Farmers’ Field School (FFS) in Akure.

Adeogun said the beneficiaries underwent a six-month training programme across three livestock value chains – poultry, goat and sheep, and pig – adding that participants were drawn from the 18 local government areas of the state.

He explained that the training was designed to equip farmers with practical skills that would enable them to work collaboratively and transform livestock production into a more productive, profitable and climate-resilient enterprise.

According to him, modern agriculture now requires the adoption of technology and improved practices rather than reliance on outdated methods.

“Gone are the days when farmers depended solely on traditional methods. Across the world, agriculture is becoming increasingly technology-driven”.

“Ondo State farmers, especially livestock farmers, must key into modern practices for their own benefit and for the growth of the country’s agricultural sector,” he said.

The Commissioner for Agriculture and Forestry, Engr. Leye Akinola, applauded the beneficiaries for their dedication and willingness to learn, urging them to replicate the knowledge acquired among other farmers in their communities.

Akinola, who was represented by the Director of Animal Husbandry Services in the ministry, Mr Folusho Ojo, encouraged the graduates to serve as ambassadors of modern agricultural practices.

He reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to partnering with development agencies such as L-PRES to ensure farmers have access to training, improved technologies, inputs and market opportunities.

“I strongly believe that our farmers have not only acquired theoretical knowledge but also hands-on experience in modern farming techniques, livestock management, disease control, pasture development and sustainable agricultural practices,” he said.

Responding on behalf of the beneficiaries, a pig farmer, Engr. Abiodun Fashoro, lauded the project for the training and support, expressing confidence that the knowledge gained would boost livestock production in the state.

He assured that the farmers would implement the lessons learned to improve productivity and profitability in their farms.

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“With this training, there is a brighter future for livestock farmers in Ondo State,” he said.