To strengthen food security in Oyo State, particularly through dairy production and reducing the cost of meat as a major protein source, the Oyo State government recently conducted a training on artificial insemination for livestock farmers.
The training, organized by the Oyo State Agribusiness Development Agency (OYSADA), brought together local farmers, university students, government officials, and veterinary technicians from across the state’s geo-political zones.
This initiative is part of OYSADA’s broader agribusiness policy, aimed at addressing the rising beef prices affecting both consumers and farmers. The program, supported by the World Bank, falls under the Oyo State Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support Project (L-PRESS) and is titled “Training of Livestock Entrepreneurs and State-Level Officers on Artificial Insemination across Focused Livestock Species.”
During the five-day intensive training held at the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) in Ibadan, Dr. Debo Akande, Executive Adviser to the Oyo State Governor on Agribusiness and Director General of OYSADA, emphasized that artificial insemination (AI) is a globally recognized method for achieving high yields in livestock production. He explained that by adopting advanced reproductive technologies like AI, Oyo State aims to improve the quality and quantity of beef and cow milk production, making these products more affordable for residents.
The training covered essential topics such as reproductive health, semen collection and storage, and insemination techniques, with participants engaging in hands-on practice to ensure proficiency. Dr. Akande highlighted that AI represents a significant advancement in livestock management, with the potential to boost production and support the state’s economic stability.
Expressing gratitude to Governor Seyi Makinde for his leadership, Dr. Akande noted that the program marks the beginning of a new livestock project in the state, aimed at providing residents with better quality and more affordable beef and cow milk. He also announced plans to extend the training to all geopolitical zones of Oyo State, ensuring that the benefits of AI are accessible statewide.
Participants, including university lecturers and government officials, expressed optimism about the program’s potential to enhance their skills and improve livestock production across the state.
