The Kwara State Government has launched a comprehensive capacity-building and study tour programme for livestock farmers across the state aimed at boosting food security, modernising animal production, and aligning with the Federal Government's livestock development agenda.

A statement issued on Sunday by the Press Secretary of the Ministry of Livestock Development, Ahmed Ajiboye, said the programme, which targets farmers from all 16 local government areas, commenced on Thursday with a visit to Milkin Barn Dairy Farm, a leading private facility renowned for modern ranching and animal husbandry practices.

The Commissioner for Livestock Development, Mrs Oloruntoyosi Ayobola Thomas, who led a delegation of 35 farmers and officials, described the initiative as a key component of the state's strategy to develop a modern, commercially viable livestock sector.

"This training and coaching tour is designed to standardise and deepen the application of good ranching practices across farms in Kwara State. Our goal is to ensure that farmers adopt sustainable methods that will improve output, enhance food security and support economic growth," Mrs Thomas said.

She urged participants to implement the knowledge gained to increase efficiency and profitability on their farms.

Director of Livestock Services, Alhaji Muhammed Umar Ahmed, noted that the programme fully aligns with the Federal Government's National Livestock Growth Acceleration Strategy, which prioritises improved breeding, ranching systems, disease control, and sustainable feed management to tackle food security challenges and reduce farmer-herder conflicts.

Managing Director of Milkin Barn Agroserv, Mr Tony Jibunoh, encouraged farmers to embrace innovation and modern technology, emphasising that efficiency and productivity are essential to meeting Nigeria's rising demand for animal protein.

Participating farmers described the tour as a revelation, praising the state government for exposing them to modern techniques in animal husbandry, pasture development, feed formulation, breeding, and reproduction, adding that the knowledge acquired would significantly boost productivity on their farms.

The initiative is part of ongoing national efforts to reposition the livestock sector for food security, job creation, and economic diversification following the establishment of the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development.