By Itam Offor
The Cross River State Grazing Management Bill 2021 has been read a second time on the floor of the House of Assembly NEGROIDHAVEN has confirmed.
The Bill which was subsequently committed to the House Ad hoc committee on Agriculture and Natural Resources, is to prohibit Open Rearing and Grazing of livestock and provide for the establishment of Ranches for livestock in the State.
The Sponsor of the Bill, Hon. Elvert Ayambem (Ikom ll), while presenting the objectives of the Bill said, it will promote modern techniques of Animal Husbandry Ayambem also said that the bill will, “promote International best practices in the diary and beef Industry” as well as ” manage the environmental impact of open livestock grazing and protect the environment from degradation and pollution”.
Also Speaking, the Leader of the House, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey (Ogoja) expressed dismay at the prevalent cases of destruction of lives and property by Herdsmen across the Country. “We live in a digital world, it is wrong for Cattle to destroy other people’s crops and wipe out Communities”, he said. Odey further called for a national policy to stop the menace.
The Lawmakers unanimously supported the bill describing it as timely. In their separate contributions, they agreed that there is an urgent need to regulate livestock rearing in the State in other to safeguard the livelihood and health of Citizens.
The Lawmakers further agreed that the benefits of ranching far outweighs that of open grazing adding that if properly harnessed, the ranches can provide organic manure for agricultural purposes.
On his part, the Speaker of the Assembly, Rt. Hon. Eteng Jonah Williams (Yakurr ll) commended the sponsor and co-sponsors of the Bill for doing a thorough job, he promised a speedy passage of the Bill.
