Promasidor imports cows to boost local milk production in Nigeria
The Ikun Dairy Farm Limited (IDFL), a joint venture between Promasidor Nigeria Limited and Ekiti State Government (EKSG), has announced the arrival of the first batch of pregnant Jersey cows from a minimum pre-ordered pool of over 500 heifers from the United States, as part of efforts to boost local milk production in Nigeria.
The Cargo with the cows arrived at the Muritala Muhammed International Airport Lagos as an addition to the biological pool of 192 indigenous and crossbreeds available on the farm.
It was disclosed that Ikun Dairy Farm Limited through Promasidor and Ekiti State Government, with the immeasurable support of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), is working towards ensuring that more of the breed would arrive in the coming weeks.
The shipments will provide a better breed of cows for the rapidly growing Nigerian dairy industry, which will help the diversification of the Nigerian economy.
The Counselor for Agricultural Affairs at the US Mission to Nigeria, Gerald Smith, noted that the introduction of US dairy cows would boost local milk production and contribute significantly to ensuring sustainable food security in Nigeria.
Smith added that the successful cattle shipment was as a result of the strong partnership among the Foreign Agricultural Service of the US Mission in Nigeria, the Ikun Dairy Farm, and senior officials of the Nigerian Federal Ministry of Agriculture, with support from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).
His words: “The United States is the leader in producing dairy cows. Promasidor Nigeria Limited in partnership with the Ekiti State Government and with the strong support of the CBN has successfully started an integrated dairy industry in Nigeria with the acquisition of the first batch of pregnant Jersey breed dairy cows from the US. A sustainable dairy industry requires modern genetic cows. This collaboration marks the beginning of increase in milk production and the enhancement of the dairy value chain in Nigeria.”
To further support the Nigerian dairy industry, Smith noted that the Foreign Agricultural Service of the US Mission is designing a two-week long training programme in the United States for diverse Nigerian dairy stakeholders. The training programme holding later this year will introduce participants to the unique characteristics and genetic potential of US dairy cows: “We believe these efforts will maximise the local dairy sector potential and help Nigeria emerge as a major player in the dairy market in the region.” he concluded.
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