Indonesia targets increase in Nigeria’s milk, meat production –Ambassador

From Olanrewaju Lawal, Birnin

The Indonesian Government has declared interest to assist Nigeria to achieve 60 and 40 percent increase in its milk and meat production respectively in the next five years.

The Indonesian Ambassador to Nigeria, Dr. Usra Hendra Harahap, made this commitment during his official visit to the Kebbi State Governor, Dr. Nasir in Birnin Kebbi.

The Ambassador was in Kebbi to further strengthen partnership between the Kebbi State and Indonesia Governments following the visit of Gov. Idris to Indonesia recently.

While speaking during the visit, Usra Hendra Harahap said: “This visit aims to boost the earlier collaboration between the Kebbi State and Indonesia on artificial insemination and embryo transfer.

“This collaboration seeks to establish state-of-the-art reading facilities, development fund, milk and meat processing unit, implement sustainable pasture system and significantly improve milk and meat production by 60 per cent and 40 per cent respectively within five years.”

The ambassador expressed the readiness of his country to assist Nigeria achieve self-sufficiency in animal production and agriculture in general, adding that it would enhance livestock productivity and genetic improvement significantly benefiting the agricultural sector in Kebbi.

He noted that the proposed technical cooperation in artificial insemination and embryo transfer “reflect our self commitment to impacting on agriculture productivity and capacity building.

“Our premier objective is to achieve self-sufficiency in meat and milk production and processing. We are also increasing technical capacity in assisting with reproductive technologies for the benefit of all African sub-region.”

In his reaction, Kebbi State Governor, Dr Nasir Idris appreciated the Ambassador for the visit as well as the magnanimity of Indonesian government to sponsor two Kebbi Veterinary Doctors to Indonesia for training on artificial insemination.

The governor, who was represented by his Deputy, Alhaji Umar Abubakar-Tafida, said: “We are glad, you sponsored their trip and training in Indonesia.

“We are also pleased that the team of experts that trained them followed up to see how those trained are able to cascade the training. We appreciate you very well for this very quick trip.”