FG moves to boost local milk production
The government plans to expand Ikun Dairy Farm to cut Nigeria's $1.5 billion annual dairy import bill.
Nigeria's Federal Government plans to expand Ikun Dairy Farm in Ekiti State to boost domestic milk production. The move aims to reduce the country's annual expenditure of $1.5 billion on imported dairy products. Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, visited the farm and identified it as a key investment for dairy development.
The Ikun Dairy Farm, operated by Promasidor in partnership with the Ekiti State Government, currently produces over 6,000 litres of milk daily. Maiha stated the government is ready to collaborate with Promasidor and the state government to scale up operations. This expansion is expected to support job creation, food security, and growth in the livestock sector.
The farm, which occupies over 530 hectares and houses more than 700 cattle, has already seen investment, including a $5 million injection from Promasidor. Efforts to improve local cattle breeds have resulted in generations better adapted to Nigeria's climate, overcoming earlier challenges with imported stock. The farm also produces its own maize and soybean for cattle feed.