Kwara unveils cattle artificial insemination programme

The Kwara State Government has initiated a statewide artificial insemination program for cattle to boost local breeds and increase milk and dairy production. The project, implemented in collaboration with Genex URUS American International Animal Company, aims to improve the productivity of thousands of cattle across the region. State Commissioner for Livestock Development, Hon.

Oloruntoyosi Thomas, inaugurated the program in Ilorin, highlighting that the initial phase involves inseminating 500 cattle in September, with plans to expand to a thousand by the end of the year. An insemination center is being established in Malete, with similar centers intended in other communities to enhance farmers' access to this intervention.

The government is also focusing on training technicians, involving University of Ilorin students and youths from pastoralist communities to reduce costs and increase the success rate of the program. Director of Livestock in the Ministry, Alhaji Ahmed Umar, expressed optimism about achieving an 85% success rate, emphasizing the need for collaboration among stakeholders.

Genex URUS American International Animal Breeding Company, Team Lead Dr. Saka Shittu, encouraged farmers to participate, with the program initially focusing on cattle and potentially extending to other livestock. Dr. Shittu appealed to all farmers, particularly Fulani colleagues and smallholder dairy ranchers, to embrace the program. The service is currently free for all farmers in Kwara State.