TheCable

Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association has asked for 30,000 square metres of land for cattle grazing in 25 local government areas in Delta state.

According to the Nation, the association made the appeal at a public hearing on a bill for a law that will provide regulation of livestock breeding, rearing, marketing, ending open grazing and related activities in Delta.

The public hearing was organised by the Delta state house of assembly joint committee on special bills and agricultural and natural resources on Monday.

The memorandum was signed by Musa Shuwa, chairman of the association.

Shuwa said 5,000 square metres allotted as grazing areas included in the draft bill was grossly inadequate because of the facilities required to be in the areas.

He explained the association currently maintains livestock (cattle) markets in towns in the state.

He said the smallest market is located on a parcel of land measuring about 4,500 square metres, while the biggest is about 7,000 square metres.

“This is only for the markets. Also, each market takes delivery of not less than 800 cattle every week. Our members hardly sell all their cattle at the market, hence the need to feed the cattle by grazing,” he said.

“With the amendment of the draft of this bill being to ban open grazing, it is our respectful view that to have cattle within enclosed grazing (for the purpose of ranching) area will mean that a large space of area is needed for this purpose.

“While we acknowledge that the 5,000 square metres mentioned in Section 8(2a) is only in the minimum, it is our modest view that even in the minimum, 5,000 square metres of land may not be the best starting point.

“We, therefore, recommend that to practically satisfy having an abattoir, veterinary clinic, livestock market, administrative office and security post as provided in Section 2(b) to (g), Section 2(a) should provide that the designated area shall comprise a minimum of 30,000 square metres of land.”