Counsellor for Agricultural Affairs at the U.S. Mission to Nigeria, Gerald Smith, has noted that the introduction of U.S. dairy cows to the country will boost local milk production and contribute significantly to ensuring sustainable food security in Nigeria.
Smith explained that the successful cattle shipment was a result of the strong partnership between the Foreign Agricultural Service of the U.S. Mission in Nigeria, the Ikun Dairy Farm and senior officials of the Nigerian Federal Ministry of Agriculture, with support from the Central Bank of Nigeria.
“The United States is the leader in producing dairy cows. Promasidor Nigeria Limited in partnership with Ekiti State Government and with the strong support of the CBN has successfully started an integrated dairy industry in Nigeria with the acquisition of the first batch of pregnant Jersey breed dairy cows from the U.S.
“A sustainable dairy industry requires modern genetic cows. This collaboration marks the start of increasing milk production and enhancing the dairy value chain in Nigeria,” Smith said in a press release issued by the U.S. Consulate General yesterday.
To further support the Nigerian dairy industry, Smith noted that the Foreign Agricultural Service of the U.S. Mission is designing a two-week long training programme in the United States for diverse Nigerian dairy stakeholders.
The training programme holding later this year would introduce participants to the unique characteristics and genetic potential of U.S. dairy cows, he said.
“We believe these efforts will maximize the local dairy sector’s potential and help Nigeria emerge as a major player in the dairy market in the region,” Smith added.
