Katsina State Government has dismissed media speculations that it purchased 40,000 goats under the newly launched goat rearing initiative for a whopping N5.7b.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on livestock production and grazing,Yusuf Suleiman Jibia,told newsmen that contrary to reports,the N5.7 was figure budgeted for the entire project, which has several components and not the purchase of goats alone
He said: ”The goat rearing initiative was introduced by the governor for the sole purpose of improving the economic lives and status of the people.
”improvement on goat rearing is to be executed by the department of livestock and grazing and constitutes two major components.
”N5.7b was earmarked for the entire projects and maybe retired to the treasury any remaining balance that may be the case”.
Governor Radda assured the State Government will also empower the goat rearers with starters pack.
He said: ”The initiative was part of the state government’s strategies to boost livestock production that will address the domestic needs of hygienic meat and for export”
” it would also lead to job creation,, economic diversification within our rural communities by fostering entrepreneurship and livestock farming.
”The goat rearing initiative was designed to empower local farmers especially women groups who were given training and support to rear the goats successfully.
”The state administration would create platform for local markets to thrive more to align with it’s vision for self reliance.”
The State Coordinator of the community development programme Dr Kamaladdeen Kabir informed since inception of the programme about two months ago, it has empowered 132,009 people across the State.
