World Milk Day Discussions to focus on Dairy Sector Development

The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development in Nigeria, Dr Mohammed Abubakar says this Year’s World Mild Day celebration in Nigeria will focus on the Development of the dairy sector.

The Minister stated this at a media briefing held in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital city that the ministry of agriculture would also seize the opportunity to showcase its achievement in the livestock subsector.

“The Ministry, just like other partners, will use the opportunity of the event to showcase her achievements in milk production, collection, processing and transportation as well as enlighten Nigerians on achievements of National programmes on Pasture Development, Animal Feed and Feed Security, Breeding and Conservation, Dairy Development, among others under the National Livestock Transformation Plan (NLTP).”

Dr. Abubarkar disclosed that the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development through the Bank of Agriculture will be providing financial empowerment to livestock farmers to enhance their productivity and resilience, noting that the government has approved the National Dairy Policy for Nigeria.

“I am also happy to inform you all that the Federal Executive Council has approved the National Dairy Policy for Nigeria to guide operations in the Dairy Value Chain.”

Dr. Abubakar noted that the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development will continue to collaborate with relevant organizations, institutions and associations in addressing the nutritional needs of Nigerians through milk and dairy development.

“The government will continue to provide an enabling environment for increased milk production, processing, distribution and consumption to improve the nutritional status of Nigerians, create jobs along the dairy value chain and reduce national expenditure on the importation of milk and milk products.”

The President of Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) who was represented by the Director General Victoria Akai, said Through the Central Bank of Nigeria’s backward integration, the dairy sector was revitalized and has attracted foreign investment and creation of ranches across the country.

She called on all stakeholders in the dairy sector to take advantage of the event, to come together and make it worthwhile.

CODARAN
The representative of the president of Commercial Dairy Ranchers Association of Nigeria Mr. Dianabasi Akpainyang said the main objective of the celebration is to help create a competitive, enabling lucrative environment for dairy sector stakeholders in the country.

The 2023 World Milk Day celebration which is scheduled to hold in Nigeria from 31st May to 1st June 2023 is organized by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Commercial Dairy Ranchers Association of Nigeria (CODARAN), Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI), Sahel Consulting Agriculture & Nutrition Ltd and the Agricultural Correspondent Association of Nigeria.