The Ebonyi State Government has announced the payment of ₦150 million as its counterpart contribution for the launch of an Automated Integrated Ranch System, funded by the World Bank, aimed at modernizing the livestock sector.
Speaking in Abakaliki on Saturday, Mr. Victor Nwite, the Project Coordinator of the Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support Project (L-PRES), confirmed the state’s financial commitment and highlighted the government’s efforts in creating a supportive environment for the project’s success.
According to Nwite, the ranch will be established in Ezamgbo, Ohaukwu Local Government Area, and is designed to drive transformation in the livestock industry by boosting value addition, ensuring quality services, and promoting economic diversification through livestock development.
The ranch facility will feature animal hospitals, a veterinary laboratory, cold chain systems, cottage pastures, and a smart skills training centre. It will cater to pigs, cattle, sheep, and goats, with automated systems for rearing and processing, aligning with climate-smart agricultural practices.
Nwite emphasized that the initiative would help train farmers on modern animal husbandry, artificial insemination, and disease control, while supporting the commercialisation of key livestock value chains. Already, about 14,000 livestock farmers have been profiled and trained, and veterinary personnel, para-veterinarians, and extension agents have received capacity-building support.
In addition, the project has provided 15 motorcycles to aid extension agents in reaching rural farmers, and has plans to upgrade infrastructure, including cold storage facilities, solar-powered boreholes, and an automated abattoir. The state will also renovate existing slaughter slabs and enhance live bird market operations.
As part of animal health interventions, L-PRES conducted free anthrax vaccinations across the state to prevent zoonotic diseases. Nwite commended the state governor for his unwavering support and dedication to transforming the livestock sector.
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