Nigeria is importing dairy cattle from Denmark with the goal of doubling its milk output within five years, this is part of the plan to cut the importation of dairy that cost the country $1.5 billion a year, Livestock Minister Idi Maiha stated on Monday.
Nigeria has one of Africa’s largest cattle populations, but the country still strives to produce enough milk for its people. Currently, the country produces 700,000 tonnes of milk per year, but Nigerians consume 1.6 million tonnes annually.
This means 60% of milk has to be imported by Nigeria from other countries, creating a huge gap that costs the nation $1.5 billion every year.
The government now has an ambitious plan to change this situation.
“Our goal is ambitious but achievable; to double Nigeria’s milk production from 700,000 tonnes to 1.4 million tonnes annually in the next five years,” Minister Maiha said.
To profer solution to this problem, Nigeria is now importing high-quality dairy cattle from Denmark. One Nigerian farm has already brought in over 200 female cattle (called heifers) from Denmark. The farm is now using intensive breeding methods to build up its herd with these more productive animals.
The government is also taking other steps to improve milk production. Maiha said that eight new types of pasture grass have been officially registered for the first time, after the space of 48 years. Better grass means better-fed cattle, which should certainly lead to more milk production.
Moreso, Nigeria has launched a national strategy for managing animal genetic resources with help from the Food and Agriculture Organization, a United Nations agency that focuses on food and farming issues.
Minister Maiha highlighted that Nigeria is not beginning from scratch in this effort.
“With over 20.9 million cattle, 60 million sheep, and 1.4 million goats already, we are not starting from zero, we are building from strength,” Maiha said.