The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Mr. Audu Ogbeh, has said the ministry will begin the paddock development (growing of special grasses for cattle) in August.
Ogbeh, who made the disclosure at an interactive session with journalists yesterday in Abuja, explained that after some time, the country would become an exporter of the grass to earn foreign exchange.
The Cable reported that the minister said no farmer would allow his crops to be eaten by cattle.
He said most of the conflicts were been perpetuated by Fulanis from some West African countries such as Senegal, Mauritania and Mali.
He said there was a need for the country to end the herdsmen roaming with cattle even it was a culture.
He said after the development of ranches, it would be an offence for any herdsmen to allow his cattle to roam the streets.
The minister said land has been allocated to government in some states that would be used for ranches for herdsmen to acquire for their cattle.
He said cattle produce more litres of milk when they are kept in one place than when they walk about in search of food.
Ogbeh noyted that the ministry was collaborating g with the ministry of interior to provide security at the ranches to check activities of cattle rustlers.