Anti-open grazing bill passes second reading in Akwa Ibom Assembly

The bill prohibiting open rearing and grazing of cattle and provision for the establishment of ranches has passed the second reading at the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly.

Leading debate on the bill at plenary on Thursday, the member representing Oruk Anam state constituency, Udo Keirean Akpan, noted that when passed into law, the bill would prevent the destruction of farms, crops, ponds, settlements, and properties caused by open rearing and grazing of livestock.

Akpan said that the bill would also promote the production of healthy breeds of livestock and boost job and investment opportunities in livestock farming.

“The bill will also manage the environmental impact of open livestock grazing and protect the environment from degradation and pollution caused by open rearing and grazing of livestock,” he added.

The lawmaker explained further that the bill will promote modern techniques of animal husbandry and international best practices in the dairy and beef industry.

Also, the lawmakers are seeking to establish the Akwa Ibom State Livestock and Ranch Administration and Control Committee, which would develop an integrated modern livestock development and production plan for the state.

Akpan explained that the committee will provide technical support on the management and sustenance of ranches and organise training programmes to improve education in animal husbandry and livestock production.