The Ebonyi and Enugu state governments say they are developing integrated ranching schemes to boost livestock production.
The schemes are still in the development stages, while Anambra has no such facility.
Mr Victor Nwite, Ebonyi Project Coordinator of the Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support (L-PRES) project, told reporters that the state government was developing an integrated livestock ranch at Izziangbo, in Ohaukwu Local Government Area (LGA).
Nwite said the project would boost production, enhance climate resilience and promote the commercialisation of livestock.
“The project, which began in 2024 with the World Bank’s support, followed Gov. Francis Nwifuru’s directive to centralise livestock development activities in the state.
“The ranch, covering about 292 hectares at the former Veterinary Investigation Centre, will accommodate cattle, sheep, goats, pigs and micro-livestock.
“The state government has provided N150 million in counterpart funding for the project,” he said.
He said planned facilities include an automated abattoir, an artificial insemination centre, veterinary clinics, animal hospitals, a livestock market, feed-processing centres and a mini dam.
The Secretary of the Hausa Quarters Cattle Dealers Association in Ebonyi, Salisu Mohammed, said they had only heard about the ranch and appealed to the government to make the project a reality.
“We appeal for the facility to be completed quickly to provide a secure environment for business and livestock management in the state.
“Cattle dealers and herders enjoy relative peace in Ebonyi as we comply with established livestock management laws,” he said.
In Enugu, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Agro-Industrialisation, Dr Patrick Ubru, told reporters that the government was establishing an integrated livestock development centre in Owo community, Nkanu East LGA.
Ubru said the ranch, situated on more than 11,000 hectares of land, would accommodate up to 15,000 cattle and was part of efforts to modernise animal farming in the state.
“The ranch will address persistent clashes between farmers and herders. Its features will include an automated meat-processing facility, climate-smart irrigated pasture and hybrid veterinary services.
“The project is designed to support cattle rearing, dairy production and pig farming. It aims to transform livestock production from traditional open grazing to a more organised and sustainable agricultural practice.
“The government will also construct a cattle market as part of the initiative to improve livestock trading and management,” he said.
The Chairman of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN) in Enugu State, Mr Emma Ene, described the initiative as a welcome development that could help resolve longstanding disputes between farmers and herders.
“The establishment of the ranch will encourage livestock farmers to embrace organised animal husbandry while protecting farmers from crop losses caused by cattle entering farmlands,” he said.
He advised livestock farmers to form cooperative societies and register with relevant authorities to access the state government’s business support opportunities.
Meanwhile, Anambra Commissioner for Information and Value Re-orientation, Dr Law Mefor, told reporters that the state had no ranch and no immediate plans to establish one.
Mefor described relations between farmers and herders in Anambra as cordial, noting that the state had a functioning system to educate herders about preventing their cattle from straying into farmlands.
Gidado Sidikki, Vice-President of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders, South-East Zone, said a ranch would greatly enhance their businesses.
Sidikki said such a facility would reduce friction and give herders access to education and a more organised way of life.
“This is our plea to the government, and we are expectant of it,” he said.
