Nigeria: Importing Danish cows to boost milk production

MILK Production Increase Strategy

In an effort to reduce reliance on imports and increase domestic milk production , Nigeria is implementing an ambitious plan that includes importing high-yielding dairy cattle from Denmark. Livestock Minister Idi Maiha stated that the goal is to double milk production to 1.4 million tonnes over the next five years. This move is aimed at improving milk quality and making it more accessible to the local population.

Productivity Challenges

The main challenge facing Nigeria is that its cattle population is primarily composed of low-yielding pastoral breeds. This results in low milk yield and inefficient dairy production. In response, the government has launched a program to import higher-yielding heifers from Denmark, which will improve the genetic characteristics of local cattle.

To date, more than 200 heifers have been imported, and eight new pastoral breeds have been registered, a significant achievement for the country. This is the first such step in 48 years, highlighting the need to update Nigeria's animal genetic resources.

Support from international organizations:

The National Strategy on Animal Genetic Resources, developed with the support of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), also plays a significant role in this process. This strategy aims to develop sustainable livestock production, which will not only increase milk production but also improve farmers' livelihoods.

Development Prospects:

With over 60 million sheep and 1.4 million goats, Nigeria is not starting from scratch. The country has significant potential for dairy development, and, building on the results already achieved, positive changes can be expected in the coming years. The success of this program will depend on the effective implementation of new technologies and approaches in dairy production, as well as on the support of local farmers.

Therefore, the import of Danish cows could become a key element in Nigeria's strategy to increase milk production and reduce dependence on imported dairy products. This move will not only improve the country's food security but will also create new jobs in agriculture, which in turn will contribute to Nigeria's economic development.