A private farm in the South-eastern part of Nigeria is fully embracing the age-long clamour for the diversification of the Nigerian economy which heavily relies on crude oil.
The Anambra State Agriculture Team headed by the Commissioner for Agriculture, Mechanization, Processing and Exports, Mr Afam Mbanefo has praised the owners of Eagle Farms and Cattle Ranch for their entrepreneurial spirit saying that their efforts will help in transforming not only agriculture but the economy of the state.
He was speaking during a facility visit to the farm and cattle ranch located at Umuchu in Aguata local government. At the ranch, cattle are raised within a confined perimeter and do not need to wander about in search of pasture.
It would be recalled that irresponsible cattle grazing by Fulani herdsmen has led to clashes between the herdsmen and farmers in some parts of Nigeria. Some confrontations have led to several deaths and destruction of people's farmlands and properties with the herdsmen being manipulated as the aggressors. The most recent case being the killings at Nimbo in Uzo-Uwani local government area of Enugu state.
Mr Mbanefo called on Ndi Anambra to invest in cattle rearing and drive innovation in the agriculture sector saying that it's always better to start small and then grow big as the demand for beef not only in Anambra state but in neighbouring states guarantees good returns on the investment.
He advised entrepreneurs wishing to start cattle ranch business to contact the ministry as advisory services will be provided by Eagle Farms and Cattle Ranch under the guidance of the Ministry of Agriculture.
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