The importance of digitizing livestock industry from the birth of the livestock to the abattoir and consumers locally and internationally took centre stage at the 2024 Southwest cattle, sheep and goat farmers day-out and exhibition.
The exhibition , held at Federal College of Animal Health and Production Technology, Ibadan, was organized by Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Livestock Development in collaboration with Proteintrail technology, Real People Concept and other stakeholders.
The ruminants farmers day out and exhibition with the theme: ” Sustaining Livestock Resilience in Changing Times: Innovation Collaboration and Growth for the Ruminant Sector”, was aimed at bringing livestock farmers, feed mill producers and other stakeholders in livestock value chain together to share ideas, experience and challenges.
Speaking at the event, the founder and CEO of proteintrail technology, Muritala Alade Bamgbala, said that digitalization of the livestock industry would gradually stop the farmer’s herders clashes.
He said the digitization would birth a system whereby both sellers and buyers and other stakeholders in livestock industry could be properly monitored.
Bamgbala added that Nigeria has not been able to tap into the livestock export market because of lack transparency and traceability of players in the industry.
According to him, the digital solution would give established institutions opportunity of knowing the history of the livestock they wish to buy.
“Meat inspection act started in the United States in 1906 where no one can sell meat to the public without a health certificate from a relevant authority.
“Certification of livestock across abattoirs in Nigeria has always come in a hard copy, livestock digitalization will prevent fake meat certificate and encourage transparency.
“The western world had these problems over a hundred years ago; hence, these laws were established. If ranches are encouraged nationwide, where livestock ear tags will have QR codes with IDs for both antemortem and post-mortem information, Nigerians will soon say good buy to cattle rustling and farmers-herders clashes, “he said.
Also speaking, the Managing Director, Real People Concept, Mr Tunmise Olagbaju, reiterated that livestock industry in Nigeria, especially ruminant has great potential that has not been maximized.
He added that the exhibition would enable ruminants farmers to come together to have a voice, gain necessary attentions, learn and network together to achieve more.
Earlier in his opening remarks, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Livestock Development, Mr. Idris Abiola-Ajimobi, said that government has commenced work on a robust master plan that would provide a platform for ruminants farmers in Nigeria to thrive.
He added that government through the ministry of livestock development and office of the senior special assistant to president on livestock development would continue to engage with ruminants farmers in order to proffer lasting solution to the challenges facing the sector.
He expressed readiness of the current administration to support innovative technology that would bring sustainable development in livestock sector.
The event featured paper presentations, awards, lectures and visitation of the booths of participants.
Other notable companies at the exhibition include Adva feeds, Animal Care limited and SAT integrated Farms.