The National Animal Production Research Institute (NAPRI), Ahmadu Bello University, will by December this year, round off work on the establishment of a 20-hectare pasture seed multiplication plot for the Kano State Agro-Pastoral Development Project (KSADP).
The project which started in January 2021 was billed to be completed in September this year and was extended to December 2024 following a request by the KSADP for the extension.
The project is essentially for the establishment and maintenance of 20 hectares of pasture seed multiplication plot at Dudduru in Ajingi local government area of Kano State.
It is for the onward collection and distribution of pasture seeds harvested for the establishment of Dansoshai grazing reserves in the state to address acute feed scarcity in ruminant livestock and mitigate conflicts between farmers and herders.
The project was officially handed over to NAPRI for full commencement of work on 7th January 2021 at a ceremony attended by all stakeholders involved in the project.
The National Animal Production Research Institute (NAPRI) and KSADP agreed on a work plan used as a guide for the project.
The scope of the project included site mobilization, fencing of 20 hectares, construction of 40 tube wells, two security rooms as well as construction of two stores for seeds and equipment.
It also included seed drying shade, land clearing and preparation, routine pasture management practices, and harvesting of plant species – gamba, stylo, and Napier.
The Executive Director of NAPRI, Prof. Mohammed Rabiu Hassan, expressed the institute’s immense gratitude to the Kano State government and Islamic Development Bank for allowing NAPRI to handle the project.
Prof. Hassan also acknowledged with deep appreciation the support and cooperation of the State Coordinator for the KSADP and all staff and its management in the project.
The Executive Director, who equally thanked community leaders, security, and other stakeholders involved in the project, appreciated the Vice-Chancellor, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Prof. Kabiru Bala, and all staff and management of NAPRI for their support towards the success of the project.
