WorldStage Newsonline– The Federal Government of Nigeria has called on stakeholders in the dairy industry to increase investment and commercialisation of the animal feed and fodder sector.
Mrs Winnie Lai- Solarin, Director, Animal Husbandry Services, Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security who made the call during a presentation on the Nigerian dairy industry in Abuja said that this would ensure a very vibrant, productive and profitable feed and fodder industry.
Lai- Solarin said that good feed and fodder was essential for the dairy industry.
She explained that livestock farming which included dairy production remained a sector of interest and strategic to economic diversification and food security.
Lai- Solarin also said that the dairy industry had significant potential for growth and development, contributing to food security, employment and economic growth.
“The Nigerian dairy Industry has undergone a transformative journey, evolving from traditional practices to modernised systems aimed at meeting the growing demand for milk and dairy products.
” This sector, which is pivotal to the nation’s agricultural and economic development, has faced numerous challenges including inadequate infrastructure, fluctuating milk yields and limited access to advanced technologies.
” Nigeria is the largest market for dairy products in West Africa, with a population of over 200 million people,” she said.
Lai- Solarin said that the dairy industry had significant potential for growth and development, contributing to food security, employment and economic growth.
The director said that the journey in the Nigerian dairy industry was a testament to resilience and gradual transformation.
She expressed concern that the challenge of limited access to finance and technology for small holder farmers was hindering increased productivity and efficiency in the dairy sector.
Lai- Solarin said that high cost of feed and inputs had made local production uncompetitive.
She maintained that there was a growing demand for dairy products driven by population growth, urbanisation and increasing consumer awareness of nutritional benefits.
Lai- Solarin said that with the combined efforts of government initiatives, private sector investments and international collaborations have sparked significant improvements in dairy production, processing and distribution.
She further said that with continued support and innovation, the Nigerian dairy industry held the potential to become a cornerstone of the national economy, contributing to food security and employment.
