Federal Govt Trains 100 Dairy Farmers On Milk Production

The Federal Government has trained 100 small-scale dairy farmers in Oyo State as part of efforts to increase local milk production and reduce Nigeria’s dependence on dairy imports.

The training, organised by the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development in Ibadan between May 4 and 6, focused on modern dairy farming practices, improved animal husbandry, milk handling, and sustainable production techniques.

Senior Special Assistant to the President on Livestock Development, Idris Ajimobi, said the initiative was aimed at improving productivity among local dairy farmers and strengthening the country’s dairy value chain.

He said the Federal Government remained committed to achieving self-sufficiency in livestock production through targeted interventions and grassroots empowerment programmes.

“As we continue to push for self-sufficiency in livestock production, initiatives like this remind us that real transformation begins with empowering farmers at the grassroots,” he said.

Ajimobi added that the government would continue to drive policies and partnerships capable of unlocking the economic potential of the livestock sector.

Also speaking, the Oyo State Coordinator of the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development, Florence Kalulu, described smallholder dairy farmers as critical to food security and rural economic development.

She identified low productivity, poor animal health management, inadequate hygiene practices, and limited access to modern dairy techniques as some of the challenges affecting the sector.

Kalulu said the training aligned with the National Livestock Growth Acceleration Strategy aimed at boosting dairy productivity, improving livelihoods, and reducing dependence on imported milk products.

According to her, participants are expected to transfer the knowledge gained during the programme to other farmers within their communities.

The training covered pasture development, feed conservation, breed improvement, feeding practices for milking cows, herd health management, and milk collection techniques.

President of the Women in Dairy Production Association, Racheal Eyitayo-Ariori, commended the Federal Government for increasing attention on the dairy sector and called for greater inclusion of women in dairy production.

A participant, Moyosore Olatunde, urged the government to encourage more youths to venture into dairy farming through increased support and innovation-driven initiatives.

The programme featured classroom sessions, practical demonstrations, and distribution of inputs including heifers, feed, and salt licks to participating farmers.