Leading dairy company and makers of Peak, Three crowns and Friso brands of milk” FrieslandCampina Wamco Nigeria Plc” has again launched a Dairy Development Programme (DDP) in Iseyin,Oyo State. The initiative was for the purpose of upholding the federal government’s efforts towards the development of diary farming in Nigeria and increase local content.
Speaking on the purpose of the project, the company’s Managing Director Mr Peter Eshikena said the company has set up a public private partnership(PPP) with key offices like the National Office for Technology Acquisition and promotion(NOTAP)and the Federal Ministry of Agriculture in order to make the DDP a sustainable nationwide project.
He disclosed that collection of fresh milk which commenced in August 2010 from Shonga Dairies Farm in Kwara state has rapidly increased the supply of fresh milk to over 15,000 liters per day compared to its former supply of few liters per day, hence the success of the programme has necessitated an expansion in the company operating areas, Oyo being a key focus area.
According to Eshikena “With the DDP, our aim is to support federal government’s initiative to develop dairy farming in Nigeria by providing the required Technical Know-How on milk production to Nigerian farmers and also to provide the necessary market for the farmers.
“To support the DDP, over three hundred and fifty farmers in Fashola, Alaga, Maya-Eruwa and Iseyin environs have been registered and trained on topics ranging from raw milk hygiene, raw milk quality, financial education and benefits of using banking system animal health, tsetse control, small holder dairy farming system, feeding and feed conservation/zero grazing.
He however revealed that the challenge with the DDP is that it requires both professional attention and infrastructure to succeed and therefore needs the support of the government.
Similarly the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development who was represented by the Director of livestock, Dr .Joseph Nyager in his speech revealed that action plans to address some of the challenges facing diary production and investments in Nigeria. Other key investors and development partners involved in the projects are Bill and Melinda Gate foundation,IFDC and ILRI.
WAMCO Launches Dairy Development Programme In Oyo
