Ilara-Mokin (Ondo State), March 3, 2026 (NAN) Ondo State Livestock Productivity Resilience Support (L—PRES) Project on Tuesday trained 100 livestock farmers on fodder production to increase productivity and enhance commercialization in the state.
Mr Olufemi Adeogun, L–PRES State Project Coordinator (SPC), disclosed this at a two-day capacity building programme organized by the project in Ilara-Mokin, Ifedore Local Government Area of the state.
The theme was ‘Capacity building on fodder production and value addition, including sustainable hydroponic fodder production and crop residue treatment and utilization for sustainable livestock production across the state’.
Adeogun, who said the 100 trainees were selected from the three senatorial districts of the state as lead farmers to retrain others, explained that each senatorial district would be undergoing training for two days.
The SPC explained that the training aligned with the broader objectives of L-PRES to enhance livestock productivity, strengthen resilience to climate shocks, promote value addition, and improve rural incomes.
“This training focuses on improving feed availability and quality through fodder establishment, conservation techniques such as hay and silage production, and safe crop residue treatment.
“This intervention is both strategic and timely for the development of the livestock sector in Ondo State.
“Our livestock farmers continue to face persistent challenges, particularly seasonal feed shortages, rising costs of commercial feed, under-utilization of crop residues, and increasing climate variability.
“These constraints significantly affect productivity, profitability and resilience across our agro pastoral communities,” Adeogun said.
He, therefore, admonished the trainees to serve as knowledge multipliers, adopt the techniques demonstrated and establish practical examples in their communities.
“These are proven, low-cost technologies that farmers can adopt immediately to stabilize feed supply throughout the year.
“L-PRES will continue to support monitoring, extension linkages, and scaling of successful practices to transforming livestock production in Ondo State,” he said.
Also, Engr. Leye Akinola, Commissioner for Agriculture and Forestry, represented by Mrs Foluke Daramola, Permanent Secretary of the ministry commended L-PRES for supporting the livestock farmers in ensuring reliable feed supply throughout the year.
Akinola, who declared the programme open, said the training would addressed challenges facing livestock farmers, help them to adopt and increase the quantity, and quality of livestock feed in the state.
“This training will help reduce the seasonal feed shortage, poor feed quality, and under-utilization of crop residues continue to limit livestock productivity and farmers incomes.
“As a ministry, we are committed to strengthening extension services, promoting farmer group organization, and facilitating access to input and markets.
“We will continue to work with partners to scale successful practices across the state,” he said.
Similarly, Mrs Mercy Williams, State Chairman, Pig Farmers Association; and Prof. Josiah Babatola, State Vice Chairman, Sheep and Goat Farmers Association, applauded L-PRES for the training.
The duo said the initiative would go a long way in addressing the challenges encountered by livestock farmers and also increase their production in the state.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the poultry, pig, sheep and goat famers were trained at the capacity building programme. (NAN)
