By Samuel
The Kano State Government is set to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the National Biotechnology Agency (NABDA) for the development of grazing areas for herdsmen in the state.
Governor of the state, Abdullahi Ganduje in a visit to the NABDA headquarters in Abuja recently, expressed displeasure over the lingering spate of farmer-herder clashes, stating that the collaboration will help the state avert such violence.
NABDA was established under the Federal Ministry of Science and Technology to implement policies aimed at promoting, coordinating, and setting research and development priority in biotechnology for the country
Ganduje noted that the state will convert one of its forests to a reserve settlement to drive the project and ensure that herdsmen settle in a place to feed their cattle.
With the deployment of biotechnology and the availability of varieties of fodder produced by NABDA, livestock business in the state will become more profitable, he assured.
“This will enhance the productivity of these cattle, enabling them to reproduce at a shorter time and frame better and healthier offspring,” Ganduje said.
The governor also disclosed that the state has started developing the Bioresource Development Centres (BIODEC) established by the agency (NABDA) to facilitate the socio-economic development of the state.
BIODEC was initiated to achieve the nationwide application of modern biotechnology tools in bio-prospecting and development of the abundant natural resources for use in agriculture, health, environment and industry.
“We are building many houses, veterinary clinics, schools, markets among others that will contribute to the social life of Nigerians,’’ he said adding that with the facilities in place, parents would take advantage to educate their wards to become professionals.
This, Ganduje added, would contribute to nation-building and go a long way to reduce herder-farmer conflicts.