Ekiti Trains 30 Officers on Livestock Insemination

In a strategic move to revolutionize the state’s agricultural sector and enhance food security, the Ekiti State Government has initiated a comprehensive training programme for 30 officers to become certified Artificial Insemination (AI) Technicians. The initiative, spearheaded by the Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support Project (L-PRES), marks a significant shift toward modernizing livestock production and improving the genetic quality of local ruminant breeds.

The programme was officially flagged off in Ado Ekiti on Friday, with the State Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Ebenezer Boluwade, charging livestock farmers and agribusiness entrepreneurs to fully embrace modern breeding techniques. He emphasized that the state government remains deeply committed to supporting the agricultural value chain through strategic investments, capacity building, and institutional strengthening.

“The artificial insemination programme was designed by the state L-PRES for breed and genetic improvement, as well as the multiplication of livestock for better production,” Commissioner Boluwade stated during the induction ceremony. He revealed that the current phase of the project specifically targets the artificial insemination of 850 cows and 150 goats across the state. 

The decision to prioritize this intervention stems from critical gaps identified in the state’s livestock sector. According to recent agricultural surveys, livestock productivity among L-PRES beneficiary farmers in Ekiti has been historically characterized by poor genetic quality and limited access to improved breeding services. These deficiencies have directly resulted in low milk yields, stunted growth rates, and diminished market value for local farmers, thereby constraining their economic potential and livelihood sustainability.

To address these systemic challenges, the government is focusing on developing a sustainable, homegrown workforce of AI experts. The 30 professionals selected for the intensive training are drawn primarily from the state’s Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Departments. The objective is not merely to execute the immediate insemination targets, but to cultivate a cadre of master trainers who can ensure the long-term transmission of these critical skills within the state.

“It is important to raise personnel that would acquire skills in artificial insemination technology, and most importantly, to develop experts in artificial insemination operations who can train others and ensure sustainability,” Boluwade explained. “At the end of this programme, I expect to see a marked genetic improvement in our local ruminant breeds that is capable of driving economic growth and improving livelihoods.”

The scientific basis for this initiative lies in the concept of hybrid vigor. By cross-breeding resilient local breeds with high-yielding exotic breeds that possess superior pedigrees, farmers can produce offspring with enhanced disease resistance, faster growth rates, and significantly higher milk and meat yields. This biological upgrade is expected to directly translate into increased household incomes and greater resilience against economic shocks for rural farming communities.

Adding a crucial layer of sustainability to the project, the Lead Consultant from Genex Urus Company, Olayiwola Adekunle, highlighted the long-term vision of the partnership. He noted that the primary goal of the exercise is to build indigenous capacity, eliminating the historical reliance on foreign experts for advanced agricultural services. 

“This exercise is to ensure that we have citizens of Ekiti State who are able to perform artificial insemination independently, instead of importing personnel from other countries to do it,” Adekunle stated. To guarantee the continuity of this capacity-building effort, Genex Urus Company has committed to providing technical support and mentorship to the 30 newly trained and qualified inseminators for the next three years. This post-training support is a vital component of the L-PRES sustainability plan, ensuring that the technicians can confidently apply their skills in real-world scenarios.

The Ekiti State Government’s proactive approach to livestock development aligns with broader national objectives to reduce reliance on imported animal proteins and boost rural economies. By combining cutting-edge agricultural science with targeted human capital development, the state is laying a robust foundation for a modern, profitable, and sustainable livestock industry. As the 30 new technicians prepare to hit the field, the anticipation of a tangible transformation in Ekiti’s agricultural landscape has never been higher.