REPS SEEKS TO EDUCATE HERDSMEN AND FARMERS ON RANCHING.
nassnewsng.com
Alexander Blessing
At the plenary today the law makers move motion for the need to educate and encourage herdsmen on the benefits of ranching instead of proposed cattle colonies .
The law makers noted that the incessant clashes between herdsmen and farmers have presented serious security challenge in Nigeria .
The lawmakers said that the grazing practice of the herdsman not only exposes them to danger as the fall prey to cattle rustlers and kidnapers but can result in conflicts with farmers whose crops are trampled upon by the cattle. The house also said that the Federal Government’s proposal to establish cattle colonies in every state in Nigeria to cater for the herdsmen and their cattle as a lasting solution to the continuous clashes which in most cases result in senseless and avoidable loss of lives and properties.
The lawmakers said that it is concerned that the decision to establish cattle colonies in each state could be in violation of section 42 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria(as amended) and the land use act, as those colonies will remain the exclusive reserve of the individual state government which will not guarantee total freedom for the herdsmen to choose.
Hon Mohammed Ogoshi Onawu the mover of the motion in his debate says that there is need to educate the people on what cattle ranching is all about because most of the people involved in this do not know what ranching is all about.
Hon Adaji Ezikel (representing Gboko in Benue State) said that cattle breeding is a private business and the best way to eradicate the clashes between herdsmen and farmers is to educate both the herdsmen and farmers on ranching.
Hon sergius (Edo) in his debate said that ranching is the way forward. He further said that this can also create more funds for the economy where by the animals waste products could be sold to farmers to grow their crops. He also said that one of the advantage of ranching is that it helps one to know the kind of animal one is consuming. And advise that the Federal Government should collaborate with the state government to see that this is done.
The lawmakers urge the Federal Government to consider a soft or subsidize loan scheme for herdsmen to buy lands as a means of encouragement for them to ranch.
The house also mandate committee on agriculture production and services to ensure implementation and Report within eight weeks for further legislative action.
The house also urge the Federal Ministry of Agriculture to speedily educate and encourage the herdsmen on the benefits of ranching.