Yesterday, the world celebrated Milk Day. The day was established in 2001 by the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) of the United Nations to celebrate the dairy sector and recognize the significance of milk as an important component of food.
June 1st every year, the day is marked by promoting the benefits of milk and dairy products globally including how dairy supports the livelihoods of one billion people and families.
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This year, the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development in collaboration with the Commercial Dairy Ranchers Association of Nigeria (CODRAN), Sahel Consulting Agriculture and Nutrition and other partners met in Abuja to celebrate the event.
The event focused on the theme “Catalyzing a Milk Revolution in Nigeria through Strategic Investment in Dairy Development,” looking at the transformation, development and good policy environment for the dairy value chain.
The conference discussed opportunity and potential that could be exploited in terms of financial opportunity, creation of job opportunity and positioning the sector to contribute significantly to the country’s Gross Domestic Product.
Speaking at the event, the Director, Department of Animal Husbandry Service of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Mrs Winifred Ifeoma lai-Solarin, stated that the theme of this year’s conference aligns very seamlessly with the economic diversification and sustainability focus of government and all critical stakeholders
“This annual conference held globally and celebrated in the world today will no doubt ensure that the very critical and strategic sector remain in the forefront of our national economic discourse until we get to where we want to go, “ she said.
The sector has been made a priority in the national economic development plan, to create a robust, vibrant and competitive livestock and dairy sector capable of meeting the demands of local and external investors and creating employment as well as providing the important nutrient for the average citizens
Mrs. Winifred stressed that “The Federal Ministry of Agriculture Trade and Investments is also at the fore front of implanting the National Livestock Field Improvement programme, National Pasture Development programme and the Livestock Productivity and Resilient support project.
Dairy farmers at the events highlighted the various commitment needed to spur investment in the sector.
By Vincent A. Yusuf & Grace Adetutu
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