•••Targets improved dairy production with farmers’ training in Oyo

By Chinyere Anyanwu

To strengthen Nigeria’s dairy sector and improve local milk production, the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development has trained 100 small-scale dairy farmers in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital. This was disclosed in a statement signed by the ministry’s Deputy Director of Information and Public Relations, Henrietta Okokon, yesterday.

The statement said the training focused on equipping participants with practical knowledge on dairy farming best practices, improved husbandry techniques, and sustainable approaches to milk production, collection and processing.

Speaking through the statement, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Livestock Development, Idris Ajimobi, said the initiative is critical to improving the capacity of dairy farmers and boosting national dairy production.

“As we continue to push for self-sufficiency in livestock production, initiatives like this remind us that real transformation begins with empowering farmers at the grassroots.

“This training is essential to improving productivity, ensuring quality, and building a sustainable dairy value chain that benefits rural communities and the nation at large,” he said.

Ajimobi reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to unlocking the economic potential of the livestock sector through targeted policies, strategic partnerships, and impactful programmes. He urged participants to apply the knowledge gained and become agents of change within their communities.

Also, the Oyo State Coordinator of the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development, Florence Kalulu, described smallholder dairy farmers as critical to Nigeria’s agricultural system.

“Smallholder dairy farmers are the backbone of local milk production. Their resilience and dedication continue to sustain communities across this state and beyond,” she said.

Kalulu identified low productivity, poor animal health management, inadequate hygiene practices, and limited access to modern techniques as major challenges affecting the dairy sector. She said addressing the challenges would improve the quality, safety and profitability of dairy production.

According to her, the initiative aligns with the National Livestock Growth Acceleration Strategy, which aims to boost productivity, improve livelihoods, reduce import dependence and strengthen food and nutrition security.

“This training is not just about learning, but about transformation. We expect participants to become ambassadors of good practices, sharing knowledge and inspiring others within their communities,” she added.

The statement noted that the training programme covered sustainable feed supply through improved pasture development and feed conservation, breed improvement, feeding practices for milking cows, herd health management and milk handling.