Federal Govt Approves New National Dairy Policy, Seeks Adequate Milk Supply

The federal government has approved the new national dairy policy, drafted to regulate the Nigerian dairy industry by providing a framework and guiding principles for the development of an efficient dairy sub sector.

The policy will also accelerate efforts towards satisfying the national demand for milk and dairy products.

The development was made known yesterday by the minister of agriculture and rural development, Dr Mohammad Mahmood Abubakar.

The minister who briefed journalists in Abuja ahead of activities to mark this year’s World Milk Day, come June 1st, 2023, further disclosed that the ministry through the Bank of Agriculture will be providing financial empowerment to livestock farmers to enhance their productivity and resilience.

According to him, the 2023 World Milk Day celebration will feature lectures, discussions, exhibitions and Children’s programmes including a guided tour of the dairy exhibition stands where stakeholders will brainstorm  on the year’s theme, “Sustainable Dairy: Good for Planet, Good for You”.

He said, “We 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 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. 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”.

“l urge you all to participate actively, visit the exhibition stands, attend the lectures and panel discussions and join the children as we celebrate the 2023 World Milk Day from 31st May to 1st June 2023”, he added.