The Kwara State Government has launched a statewide cattle artificial insemination programme aimed at improving cattle breeds and increasing milk and dairy production.
The programme, implemented in partnership with Genex URUS American International Animal Breeding Company, began with 500 cattle in September, with plans to reach about 1,000 by the end of the year and expand thereafter.
Commissioner for Livestock Development Oloruntoyosi Thomas said the government also plans to establish an artificial insemination centre in Malete and similar facilities in other communities. The initiative will involve students and youths from pastoralist communities to develop a pool of trained artificial insemination technicians.
The programme uses selected improved semen to enhance cattle genetics and dairy production. Genex URUS team lead Saka Shittu said the service is currently free, with each farmer entitled to have two cattle inseminated at no cost.
The government expressed optimism about achieving an 85 per cent success rate and urged farmers and other livestock stakeholders to support the initiative.