FG Partners Farmers with Disabilities to Boost Livestock Sector

News in brief:

-FG says farmers with disabilities will benefit from livestock training, empowerment programmes, and inclusion in national agricultural initiatives.

-The livestock ministry says its youth and women programme across all states will deliberately include persons with disabilities.

The Federal Government has pledged to support farmers with disabilities through targeted programmes designed to strengthen the livestock sector and promote inclusive agricultural development across Nigeria.

The commitment was made by the Honourable Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, during a meeting with the Association of Farmers with Disabilities in Nigeria, led by its President, James Lalu, in Abuja recently.

Maiha said agriculture remains critical to food security, employment generation, and national stability, stressing that persons with disabilities have an important role to play across the livestock value chain.

Ministry Expands Opportunities for Inclusive Participation

The minister explained that members of the association could benefit from training programmes in animal husbandry, veterinary support services, and community-based livestock management.

According to him, the Ministry is deliberately expanding opportunities to ensure wider participation of persons with disabilities in the sector.

Maiha further disclosed that the Ministry’s programme targeting 1,000 youths and women in every state, including the Federal Capital Territory, would intentionally include farmers with disabilities among beneficiaries.

“We will ensure inclusion when selecting beneficiaries. Farmers with disabilities must be part of this process,” he said.

FG Promises Capacity Building and Livestock Support

The minister also commended the association for its contributions to agronomic activities and assured members of continued government support through capacity-building initiatives and providing livestock to improve productivity.

He noted that inclusive agricultural policies are essential to ensuring that all Nigerians can contribute meaningfully to food production and economic development.

Association Seeks Empowerment for Rural Farmers

In his remarks, Lalu said many members of the association are actively engaged in poultry farming, sheep rearing, goat production, and other livestock-related activities.

He called on the government to provide targeted empowerment packages, especially for members living in rural communities, to help them expand their operations.

“We are not here for pity. We are capable, we are active, and we can succeed just like anyone else. What we need is support and understanding,” Lalu stated.

He added that stronger collaboration between the association and the Ministry would help address longstanding challenges faced by farmers with disabilities while unlocking their full potential within the agricultural sector.

Association Commends Ministry’s Inclusion Drive

Lalu also commended the Minister’s commitment to inclusion and his broader efforts to reposition Nigeria’s livestock sector for sustainable growth and national development.

The engagement forms part of ongoing efforts by the Federal Government to deepen inclusiveness in agriculture while strengthening livestock production, rural livelihoods, and food security nationwide.