Nestlé Nigeria, in partnership with the Federal Capital Territory Administration, aims to reach a daily milk production target of 30,000 litres by November 2027. This objective will be achieved through enhancing local cattle breeds and implementing top-notch dairy farming techniques. The Nestlé Dairy Demonstration Farm in Abuja was inaugurated to mark this initiative, emphasizing Nestlé Nigeria PLC’s commitment to livestock development.
The project, carried out in collaboration with the Fertilizer Development Centre and CBI Innovation Limited, focuses on three core pillars: Better Milk, Better Feed, and Resilient Communities. With an investment exceeding N1.8bn, the program currently collects an average of 6,000 liters of fresh milk daily from 1,600 dairy households, with a goal to produce 30,000 liters per day by 2027.
The project has made significant strides, such as establishing 83 dairy cooperatives, benefiting 3,000 milk producers, and enhancing their monthly revenue. Vaccination of over 34,744 cattle, installation of 19 boreholes, and construction of over 28 water troughs in pastoralist communities have also been pivotal achievements. Milk quality has improved, reducing rejection rates and elevating producers’ monthly revenue.
The Minister of Livestock Development commended Nestlé Nigeria for its commitment to sustainable agricultural practices and backward integration. He highlighted the project’s role in advancing food security, economic growth, and livestock development in Nigeria. The government pledged continuous support to the livestock sector, acknowledging its importance in job creation and income generation.
The project’s benefits include integrating climate-smart practices, enhancing farmer capacity through training, and providing income opportunities for rural families. The Federal Ministry of Livestock Development assured stakeholders of its dedication to addressing industry challenges and fostering growth. The collaboration was lauded as a transformative example of public-private partnerships.
The demonstration farm was hailed as a model for best dairy farming practices, offering training and capacity-building for pastoralists and smallholder farmers. The long-term vision of the project focuses on implementing sustainable cattle breeding methods to boost production and ensure a secure environment for cattle and farmers.