From Desmond Mgboh, Kano
The Kano State Agro-Pastoral Development Project, (KSADP) has awarded contracts of about N4 billion for the construction of 60 milk collection centers across the state.
The Project, funded by the Islamic Development Bank and the Lives and Livelihood Fund, awarded the contracts to four indigenous companies.
A breakdown showed that each collection center will have a borehole equipped with a solar-powered pump and a 20,000-litre overhead tank; inputs (feed, drugs) store managed by a community appointee and up to 10 fodder banks in its environs, a statement issued by the Project Communication Specialist, Ameen K. Yassar
In addition, every collection center will have a 250-litre tank cooled by solar power and a milk testing bench with appropriate reagents/equipment as well as provision of milk collection cans.
Speaking after the contracts award, the State Project Coordinator, Kano State Agro-Pastoral Development Project, Ibrahim Garba Muhammad, described the investment as unprecedented in Nigeria adding that it would bridge the gap between pastoralists and the dairy industry.
“One of the major problems of the dairy industry is supply inadequacy and the poor quality of the milk. This MCC project, therefore, aims to ensure provision of quality and safe milk, by putting in place a cold chain. This will guarantee regular sales and income for the pastoralists”, he said.
He charged the companies to execute durable projects within the agreed time frame, to justify the confidence reposed in them.
It could be recalled that in September, 2022, Kano State Agro-Pastoral Development Project awarded a contract for construction of 40 Milk Collection Centers in the state as part of moves to take maximum advantage of the state’s huge dairy potential.