Bill To Abolish Open Grazing In Anambra Passes Second Reading

A bill seeking to regulate animal grazing and establish cattle ranches in designated areas of Anambra has scaled second reading in the House of Assembly.

The Majority Leader of the house, Dr. Nnamdi Okafor (APGA-Awka South I), said the bill would promote peace and ensure safety of lives and property in the state.

The bill is entitled, ‘Open Grazing of Cattle and other Livestock Prohibition and Ranches Establishment Bill 2021’.

He said that when the bill becomes law, it would help to curb the incessant herders/farmers clashes and generate business opportunities in the state.

“The bill will be part of the efforts to address the incessant clashes between livestock owners, herders and farmers in the state, which has often led to loss of lives and properties over the years.

“The bill will also prevent the destruction of farms and farmers’ crops brought about by open rearing and grazing of cattle,” Okafor said.

Also, Dr Timothy Ifedioranma (APC-Njikoka l) said the bill would promote the production of healthy breeds of livestock and boost job and investment opportunities in livestock farming.

Mr. Chuka Ezewune (APGA-Idemili South) said the bill would also promote modern techniques of animal husbandry and international best practices in the dairy and beef industry.

“The old form of cattle rearing is very destructive to the nation and it is time we embraced change,” Ezewune said.
Contributing, Dr. Pete Ibida (APGA-Njikoka II) said his constituents had long clamoured for the law.

“Open grazing has constituted security and safety hazards. It messes up our roads and my constituents have been displaced from their farms.

“I believe the bill will also help to manage the environmental impact of open grazing and protect the environment from degradation and pollution,” Ibida added.

Mr. Obinna Emeneka (APGA-Anambra East) said that open grazing contributed to disease transmission and described animals as carriers of parasites transmitted to humans.

Emeneka said the bill required accelerated passage to promote agriculture, security and stability in the state.

The Speaker, Mr. Uche Okafor, described the bill as everybody’s business, adding that it bothered on food security, economic development and security of of lives and property.

The bill was later committed to the Committee on Agriculture, headed by Mr. John Nwokoye, for further deliberation and the committee was expected to report back on September 30.

(NAN)