FG Commends Promasidor's Ikun Dairy Farm

Nigeria's efforts to reduce its dependence on imported dairy products and strengthen domestic milk production are gaining momentum, with Ikun Dairy Farm in Ekiti State emerging as a promising example. The farm, operated by Promasidor Nigeria Limited in partnership with the Ekiti State Government, has been producing over 6,000 litres of fresh milk daily. This development was highlighted during a visit by the Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, who commended the farm's contributions to local milk production, cattle breeding, and the development of Nigeria's livestock sector.

The Minister noted that Nigeria spends approximately $1.5 billion annually on imported dairy products, stressing the importance of supporting investments that can boost domestic production, create employment opportunities, and strengthen national food security. Ikun Dairy Farm, located in Ikun-Ekiti, covers over 530 hectares and accommodates more than 700 cattle. The farm was originally established in the 1980s but remained underutilized for several years until the partnership with Promasidor in 2019.

Promasidor's investment in Ikun Dairy Farm represents more than an expansion of its dairy operations; it is part of a broader commitment to strengthening the local agricultural value chain and building a more sustainable domestic dairy industry. The company, established in Nigeria in 1993, manufactures and markets a diverse portfolio of food and beverage products. The investment in the farm was supported by an initial $5 million investment from Promasidor.

One of Ikun Dairy Farm's significant contributions to the sector is its growing capacity for local cattle breeding. The farm has sold over 160 pregnant heifers to farmers this year, helping to improve access to dairy cattle and strengthen local production capacity. This development is a result of sustained breeding efforts, which have enabled the development of successive generations of cattle better adapted to local conditions.

The farm encountered considerable challenges in its early years, including the loss of scores of its imported cattle due to difficulties adapting to the Nigerian environment. However, the breeding efforts have paid off, with the farm now producing over 6,000 litres of fresh milk daily. This achievement demonstrates the potential for private-sector investment and public-sector collaboration to drive growth in Nigeria's livestock sector.

Promasidor's Group Chief Financial Officer and Chairman of the Board of Ikun Dairy Farm Limited, Mr Yomi Adenson, highlighted the farm's progress during the Minister's visit. He disclosed that the farm had made significant strides in local cattle breeding, with over 160 pregnant heifers sold to farmers this year. This achievement demonstrates the farm's commitment to strengthening local production capacity and improving access to dairy cattle.

The commendation from the Minister of Livestock Development underscores the importance of Ikun Dairy Farm's contributions to Nigeria's dairy sector. The farm's success demonstrates the potential for sustained private-sector investment and public-sector collaboration to drive growth in the sector, improve food security, and create employment opportunities. With continued support, Ikun Dairy Farm is poised to play a significant role in Nigeria's efforts to reduce its dependence on imported dairy products.

Key points

• The Nigerian government has commended Promasidor's Ikun Dairy Farm for its contributions to local milk production and cattle breeding.
• Ikun Dairy Farm produces over 6,000 litres of fresh milk daily and has sold over 160 pregnant heifers to farmers this year.
• The farm's success demonstrates the potential for private-sector investment and public-sector collaboration to drive growth in Nigeria's livestock sector.