NIGERIA – Arla Foods has stepped up its efforts to boost sustainable milk production in Nigeria with the inauguration of its state-of-the-art dairy farm in Kaduna which cost the Danish dairy giant over US$10 million.

The farm – a state-of the-art Danish designed dairy farm and the first of its kind in Nigeria- is located in Damau village, Kubau Local Government Area, Kaduna State.

The inauguration ceremony was presided over by the Executive Governor of Kaduna State, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai described the newly commissioned dairy farm as a significant milestone and game-changer for the dairy sector in Nigeria.

He commended the management of Arla Foods for having faith and confidence in Nigeria and the Kaduna State Government.

Arla which produces Dano Milk, a popular milk brand in Nigeria, notes that its farm will be a showcase for sustainable milk production in Nigeria

Designed to ensure optimum animal welfare and productivity, the Farm covers 400 Ha of land, with the capacity to house 400 milking cows and 1000 animals in total.

The Managing Director, Arla Nigeria, Peder Pedersen, noted that the farm is currently home to 216 Danish Holstein cows, which arrived a few days ago and are settling well into their new environment.

According to him, the Holstein breed, known to have a higher yield per cow than local breeds, is expected to produce 5 million kg of milk per year at the farm’s full capacity.

He added that the farm, delivered at an investment cost of over €10 million, would serve as a place of milk production and an epicentre of dairy farming knowledge.

Also speaking, the Head of Arla Foods West Africa, Mrs Anna Månsson, noted that over 40 people would be directly employed at the farm, as this would serve as a means of livelihood to Nigerians, especially those within the Damau community of Kaduna state.

She explained that the farm is expected to produce 1.6 million kg of milk in 2024, with a target of 4 million kg of milk annual production.

He stated that the farm has state-of-the-art technology that offers comfort for animals and helps a great deal in producing high-yielding milking cows.

In his welcome address, the Executive Vice President of Arla Foods International, Simon Stevens, described the completion of the farm as a massive achievement for Arla Foods in its journey in Nigeria and globally.

He noted that the Farm’s success exemplifies the significance of solid partnership and the vast potential available in Nigeria.

“This achievement symbolises the massive potential we see in Nigeria and the exciting journey this country is on,” Stevens said.

We have been part of this journey for quite some time, and we are extremely committed to continuing to play a part and contribute to the development of the dairy industry.”

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