The Institute of Agricultural Research and Training (IAR&T) on Wednesday began a 2-day training on grass-cutter farming.
The training which started 27th January, will run till 28th January, 2021. The training will include lectures, practical demonstrations, interactions and exhibitions.
In her welcome address, the Executive Director, Institute of Agricultural Research and Training (IAR&T), Prof. Veronica Adeoti Obatolu, who was ably represented by Head of Program, South West Farming Research and Extension, IAR&T, Obafemi Awolowo University, Prof. Lucia O. Ogunsumi stated that the training is free for all participants.
She further stated that the training was important because Agriculture was taking the lead in world economy as there is nothing anyone can do without Agriculture because it is through Agriculture one can make exploits.
Ogunsumi mentioned that the hall would have be filled with participants but in order to observe COVID-19 protocol, the number of participants were reduced.
She therefore urged the participants to make good use of the training and equally spread the knowledge acquired at the end of the workshop to other people. She emphasized that the only way this can be achieved is by practicing what they have been taught.
In an interview with CEOAFRICA, Professor Omole Adeboye Joseph disclosed that the training which focuses on micro-livestock training is a 2-in-1 workshop; the first part of the training is on grass-cutter production while the second is on disease management in micro-livestock, especially during the dry season.
He said that the aim of the workshop is to train farmers, intending farmers and students on how to succeed in micro livestock production especially in disease management and micro-livestock which consists of snails, grass cutter and rabbits.
According to him, grass cutter and rabbit farming is a business that can help boost the economic value of a country. He noted that grass cutter business is a good source of income that one can start with low capital, between ₦20, 000 to ₦50,000 naira, compared to other livestock businesses whose start-up capital is between₦200,000 and ₦500, 000.
On the health benefits, he stated that grass cutter and rabbit meat help in the reduction of high cholesterol and high fat content which lead to fat related diseases like hypertension, high blood pressure and so on.
He also disclosed that the training will teach farmers how to raise grass cutter and rabbit. According to him, raising micro livestock can be done all year round.
During the dry season when the feed will be very scarce, one would need to give them concentrates thus giving them more protein and less energy. Whereas, in the rainy season, they have high energy and low protein. He also advised that other management practices must be strictly adhered to if one desires good performance.
Grass cutters require a warm environment of about 28°C, a neat and secured environment.
Speaking on how to acquire grass cutters, Omole said that interested individuals who would like to venture into the business should come to the Institute of Agricultural Research and Training (IAR&T), Ibadan.
One of the lecturers who spoke on the economic value of grass cutters noted that the grass cutter business is a business that yields much income.
The training had in attendance students from different schools, farmers’ and other interested people.
