Edo seeks investors, technology to modernise livestock production

File photo: Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State

The Edo State Government is seeking international partnerships and investment opportunities to modernise livestock production and develop the state’s animal husbandry sector.

The Special Adviser to Governor Monday Okpebholo on Livestock Development, Roland Igbadumhe, disclosed this while representing the state at the 35th annual Sommet de l’Élevage, a livestock summit held in Clermont-Ferrand, France.

According to Igbadumhe, the government is exploring international expertise and modern technology to move livestock farming from predominantly traditional methods to a commercially viable and technology-driven industry.

In a statement sent to our correspondent on Thursday, Igbadumhe said, “Edo State is uniquely positioned to lead a livestock revolution in the South-South region.”

“Our presence at Sommet de l’Élevage is not merely ceremonial; it is a targeted effort to source global technology, forge strategic partnerships, and attract foreign direct investment into our state’s growing pastoral and animal production ecosystem.”

The four-day summit, which began on October 6, attracted more than 1,700 exhibitors and over 110,000 agricultural professionals, policymakers, investors and other stakeholders from across the world.

Igbadumhe said his participation was part of the Okpebholo administration’s efforts to increase agricultural productivity, strengthen food security and generate employment through modern livestock production.

He said, “We had technical discussions with French livestock breeding experts, sustainable feed producers and manufacturers of modern processing equipment during the summit, with a view to identifying technologies and partnerships that could be adapted to Edo State.”

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He said the state delegation also showcased some of the government’s ongoing livestock initiatives, including the development of dedicated grazing reserves, capacity-building programmes for farmers and public-private partnership opportunities in poultry, pig and ruminant production.

Igbadumhe noted that the government was particularly interested in production systems that could increase productivity, reduce environmental pressure and improve the profitability of livestock farming for farmers.

The Special Adviser said the partnerships and investment opportunities identified at the summit would be incorporated into the state’s livestock development plans.

He added that the government expected the initiative to “contribute to food security, create employment in rural communities and diversify the Edo State economy.”

Sommet de l’Élevage is a major international livestock trade event in Europe, bringing together livestock producers, breeders, agricultural technology firms, investors and policymakers to exchange ideas and showcase innovations in animal production.