As part of efforts to tackle the challenge of indiscriminate grazing of cattle and the attendant bloody clashes between farmers and herdsmen, the Bayelsa State Government has designated 1,200 hectares for the development of ranches where herdsmen can conveniently rear their cattle.

Chairman, Cattle Ranches Management and Control Committee, Shitu Mohammed, made this known during a news conference in Yenagoa on Sunday, explaining that the expanse of land will also consist of grazing reserves and abattoir.

Mohammed also noted that the State Government has promised to donate more ranches to the cattle breeders in the state.

He commended the Governor Seriake Dickson for the gesture which he said would help to sustain the peace that had existed between herdsmen and farmers in the state.

The Cattle Ranches Management and Control Committee was set up by the Bayels State Government to foster cordial relationship between cattle breeders, farmers and the people of Bayelsa.

Mohammed noted that the committee in collaboration with security agencies in Bayelsa State has put a lot of measures in place to ensure that the issue of farmers/herdsmen clashes has been largely contained.

He called on citizens of the State to support the government and the committee in its efforts to bring lasting peace to the state.

According to him, the establishment of ranches in designated areas of the state will bring about job opportunities for the people and could also promote tourism.