By Ibrahim Kado
The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (FMARD) through the Department of Animal Husbandry, on Tuesday distributed breeding jenneys and fees to small holder donkey farmers in Adamawa.
During the presentation, Deputy Director Animal Husbandry Services FMARD, Abuja, Mr Eleojo Ako said that the idea was to promote donkey production and avert its extinction in the country.
According to him, going by its importance, the ministry established donkey value chain department with the idea of increasing production.
He added that the idea of providing female donkeys was for them to multiply in the next few years.
Ako said that donkeys were more profitable than cows and were being recognised internationally, hence the need for the beneficiaries to handle them well.
He said their commitment would help them to multiply and boost their income.
In his remarks, Alhaji Umar Daware, Adamawa Commissioner for Agriculture, commended the effort of the Federal Government on its agricultural policies and programmes.
Represented by Mrs Edna Azura, Director, Agriculture, Daware said such an empowerment was in line with Gov. Ahmadu Fintiri’s administration on empowerment and promoting agricultural activities in the state.
He gave an assurance to have a synergy with the state Donkey Value Chain Association for more success.
Alhaji Abubakar Kagu, National President, Donkey Value Chain Association, said that the gesture would help to avert possible extinction of donkeys in the country.
He called on stakeholders, traditional leaders and government at all levels to emulate the federal government by distributing female donkeys to rural farmers to boost the production of the animals.
He advised the beneficiaries to take good care of the donkeys as the association would not tolerate selling them .
According to him, the association has put measures in place to monitor the beneficiaries, to ensure that the donkeys distributed are lively and physically fit.
Mrs Eldina Halilu, who spoke on behalf of the beneficiaries, appreciated the federal government for the gesture.
She said that donkeys were of great value in their life, especially in helping to transport water, farm produce and carrying loads to markets, among others. (NAN)
