NIGERIA – Nigerian government has approved a national dairy policy for livestock farmers that will provide an enabling environment for an increase in milk production, processing, distribution and consumption, and earnings of the livestock farmers.
According to the government, the policy will enhance livestock farming to ensure a stable and sustainable dairy sector as well as drive massive investments in the industry.
“The policy will create more job opportunities, reduce National Expenditure on the Importation of Milk and Milk Products as well as improve the Nutritional Status of Nigerians,” Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr. Mohammad Mahmood Abubakar speaking during the 2023 World Milk Day.
Abubakar revealed that the Ministry would use the opportunity of World Milk Day to coordinate focused discussions on Dairy Development in Nigeria from the views of industry experts and a communique will be issued at the end of the event.
‘’The Ministry with Developmental Partners will use the opportunity of the event to showcase the achievements in milk production, collection, processing, and transportation as well as enlighten Nigerians on achievements, Dairy Development, among others under the National Livestock Transformation Plan (NLTP),” he said.
He highlighted some of the achievements in the Diary Sub Sector including Capacity building and empowerment programs on hygienic milk production and processing for dairy farmers in Bauchi and Plateau States.
The Minister further stated that the Ministry through the Bank of Agriculture (BOA) would provide financial empowerment to Livestock Farmers to boost their productivity and resilience.
Earlier this year, the Nigerian Government signed a deal with European dairy cooperative Arla Foods to continue efforts to develop Nigeria’s dairy sector.
The deal involved Making changes in the country’s dairy sector by promoting cooperative business structures among dairy farmers, continuing product development, and focusing on sustainability and the creation of employment and better livelihoods for local dairy farmers.
“The Nigerian dairy sector has great potential and the combination of an entrepreneurial Nigerian mindset, a growing economy, and our dairy farming expertise makes this a fruitful partnership for everyone involved,” said Peder Pedersen, Senior Director, and head of Arla Nigeria.
Meanwhile Dairy firm, FrieslandCampina WAMCO in Nigeria, has announced the successful crossbreeding and birth of 25 crossbreed Girolando calves achieved locally across various farms in Oyo, Ogun, and Kwara States.
A statement by the company noted that the development would spearhead a production revolution and transformation of Nigeria’s dairy sector
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