In preparation for the celebration of the 2023 World Milk Day, the Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved the National Dairy Policy for Nigeria to guide operations in the Dairy Value Chain.
The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr. Mahmood Abubakar made the disclosure while addressing journalists on Tuesday in Abuja.
Speaking further he reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to reduce the huge amount the country spends on milk importation while creating an enabling environment for the subsector to thrive.
The minister assured that the ministry will continue to collaborate with relevant organizations, institutions and associations to address the nutritional needs of Nigerians through milk and dairy development.
In his words: “The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development through the Bank of Agriculture will be providing financial empowerment to livestock farmers to enhance their productivity and resilience
“The Ministry will also use the opportunity of World Milk Day to coordinate focused discussions on Dairy Development in Nigeria from the views of industry experts in Finance, agribusiness, environment and other related areas who will deliver papers and participate in discussions following which a communique will be issued at the end of the event,” he said.
The Minister said the Ministry has been able to organise capacity building and empowerment programmes for dairy farmers on hygienic milk production and processing in Bauchi and Plateau States.
He added that the ministry’s achievements also included, construction and equipping of 13 milk collection centres 2 each in Taraba, Adamawa, Bauchi, Gombe, Kwara, Niger and Plateau States.
On his part, the President, Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI), Dr. Al-Mustapha Abubakar, who was represented by the Director General, Dr. Victoria Akai, said through the Central Bank backward integration, the dairy sector was revitalised and has attracted foreign investment and the creation of ranches across the Country.
The post FG to Reduce Import of Milk, Approves New National Dairy Policy first appeared on AgroNigeria.
Hits: 3
