‘Fulani’ Grazing Reserve Bill: 9 States Have Already Released 5,000 Hectres Of Land – Audu Ogbeh

The minister of agriculture, Mr. Audu Ogbeh, has disclosed that the federal government is working towards resolving the issue of clashes between herdsmen and farmers with the establishment of grazing reserves in the next four months.

Already, he said, the plans are at an advanced stage.

Ogbeh, speaking on Wednesday, May 4, 2016 at the sectoral debate aimed at exploring diversification of the economy, organised by the House of Representatives, disclosed that nine state governments have already agreed to release 5,000 hectares of land for the reserves.

The reserves would be tilled with grass imported from Brazil, a development that has generated criticisms against the government. The minister however explained that the grass being imported guarantees high yield as they have already been treated.

“Grass is not grass; there are grasses and there are grasses. These grasses were taken from Nigeria and worked upon and they are better,” he said.

The Minister also disclosed that some private companies are already in agreement with the government for the utilisation of some derivatives and by products from the reserves, adding that the reserves would boost the economic status of the herdsmen.