In a major move to enhance livestock productivity and strengthen food security, the Ondo State Government on Friday distributed 165 fodder choppers to livestock farmers across the state.
The distribution, which took place in Akure, is part of the Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support (L-PRES) project—a joint initiative between the Ondo State Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry and the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, with support from the World Bank.
Fodder choppers are essential farm machinery used to cut grass, hay, and straw, making livestock feed more digestible and nutritionally beneficial. According to experts, they help improve feed intake and reduce wastage, particularly critical in the face of unpredictable weather conditions.
Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, represented by his deputy, Dr. Olayide Adelami, described the initiative as a practical and timely intervention aimed at addressing persistent challenges in livestock production.
“The distribution of the choppers is a practical and impactful intervention to enhance forage utilisation. These machines would help to reduce wastage, improve intake and significantly optimize the nutritional value of available feed resources,” the governor stated.
He commended the Federal Government and the World Bank for their support through L-PRES, noting that the programme also covers the construction of livestock infrastructure, marketing hubs, and training for farmers on sustainable feeding and husbandry practices.
The governor charged beneficiaries to make diligent use of the equipment, adding that the initiative aligns with the state’s goal of achieving self-sufficiency in livestock production and animal protein provision.
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, Mrs. Foluke Tunde-Daramola, described the event as a significant milestone in Ondo’s agricultural advancement. She applauded Governor Aiyedatiwa for his commitment to agricultural development and for prioritizing the welfare of farmers in the state.
L-PRES State Coordinator, Mr. Olufemi Adeogun, emphasized the importance of fodder management in sustainable livestock farming, particularly as climate variability continues to affect traditional feeding systems.
He added that the deployment of the choppers is expected to drastically improve farm efficiency and overall productivity among livestock farmers across the state.
The event was attended by stakeholders in the agricultural sector, representatives from farming cooperatives, and government officials.
