Ondo begins distribution of 165 fodder choppers to livestock farmers

The Ondo State government has begun the distribution of 165 fodder choppers to livestock farmers in the state to enhance the quality of feeds and boost livestock production.

Fodder choppers are farm equipment used to cut various types of fodder, such as grass, hay and straws to improve feed intake and nutrient absorption by livestock.

The distribution of the equipment was part of the deliverables of the Livestock Project and Resilience Support Project (L-PRES), a collaboration between the state ministry of agriculture and forestry and the federal ministry of agriculture and food security.

Speaking at the ceremony in Akure on Friday, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa said the distribution of the farm equipment was to tackle the most persistent challenges bedeviling livestock production in the state.

Represented by his deputy, Olayide Adelami, the governor reiterated his administration’s commitment to agriculture and food security.

“The distribution of the choppers is a practical and impactful intervention to enhance forage utilisation. These machines would help to reduce wastage, improve intake and significantly optimize the nutritional value of available feed resources” the governor highlighted.

He acknowledged the support of the Federal Government and the World Bank under the L-Press project, to construct livestock infrastructure and marketing hubs, training of livestock producers on cost-effective feeding and husbandry practices, among others.

The governor urged all beneficiaries to use the equipment diligently and responsibly, saying the state is on the right track towards self-sufficiency in livestock production and provision of animal protein.

In her address, Permanent Secretary, state ministry of agriculture and forestry, Mrs Foluke Tunde-Daramola, said the distribution of the equipment marked a significant milestone in the state agricultural development agenda.

The Permanent Secretary thanked Governor Aiyedatiwa for providing purposeful leadership and for prioritizing agriculture and food security.

Remarking, state coordinator of L-PRES, Olufemi Adeogun, said the distribution of the equipment is timely, stressing that fodder management remains a critical component of sustainable livestock production especially in erratic weather pattern.