Professor Folorunsho Fasina, a lecturer at the University of Pretoria, South Africa, has appealed to the Federal Government to take advantage of technology and innovation to drive the development of the livestock sector in Nigeria.
Fasina, who stated this recently in Abuja at the 5th Anniversary Celebration of Farm Alert, noted that technology-driven approach and innovation are lacking in the nation’s livestock sector.The University Don who also works with Food and Agriculture Organisation(FAO) of the United Nations, observed that Nigeria is endowed with enormous resources in the livestock industry, which lack proper coordination. Professor Fasina, who is also the Chairman of the Advisory Board of Farm Alert, however expressed joy at the milestones recorded by the organisation in its five years of existence in Nigeria.
He noted that the organisation has spread to six States in Nigeria as well as reached over 1000 communities with animal health products. “The five year anniversary celebration of Farm Alert is a moment of joy for me. Farm Alert is a transformative and innovative company.
“The livestock industry has been transformed by Farm Alert in the last five years. The organisation is innovating constantly.” While interacting with journalists, Dr. Femi Kayode, Chief Executive Officer of Farm Alert, revealed the plans of the organisation to establish its presence in other African countries.
“It is part of our plan for 2025 to 2026, to scale to other African countries, we have West Africa as our big scaling part.
“The animal health infrastructure is the same everywhere. We are arguably the largest animal healthcare brand in Nigeria. We want to do that in West Africa within 2025/2026
“From 2027 to 2030, we will be starting our operations in East Africa, South Africa, Central Africa, and other African countries that will need the expertise, we have built over the years.”
“By 2030, we shall be the largest distributor of animal feed in Africa,” Kayode said.
Dr. Moses Arokoyo, President, Nigerian Medical Veterinary Association (NMVA), in his remarks, said the Farm Alert has come a long way, as it has brought innovation and creativity to veterinary practice in Nigeria.
He disclosed that NMVA has partnered Farm Alert to provide N20million grant to 10 young Veterinarians or Vetprenuers as start-up capital.
The NVMA President revealed that N60million grant would be given to 30 Veterinarians, courtesy of the partnership between Farm Alert and NMVA.
Mrs Grace Samuel, Country Managing Director of Farm Alert, said the organisation started operations in November 2019, as the organisation has made animal health products accessible and affordable to livestock farmers.
At the event, Farm Alert empowered 12 young Veterinarians with N12million as start-up capital. Recall that Farm Alert works to make animal health products like vaccines, drugs, feeds, and supplements more accessible to underserved communities in Nigeria.
Source: https://tribuneonlineng.com/expert-to-fg-leverage-technology-to-boost-livestock-sector/
