Dairy production: Kaduna collaborates with Arla farms, others

Kaduna State is positioning itself to become the dairy capital of Nigeria and West Africa, through partnerships between local farms, and international investors like Arla Farms.

The Chief Executive Officer of Zaidi Farms, Idi Muktar made this known during the Arla Farms Open Day Ceremony in Damau, Kubau Local Government Area of the state, where various agricultural stakeholders gathered to deliberate on expanding the scope of milk production in the country.

Speaking to journalists, Muktar said the collaboration with Arla Farms has significantly improved livestock production in the state.

He revealed that Zaidi Farms was the first to benefit from the Viking genetics program, which has led to the acquisition of over 100 high-quality Danish cattle. He also noted that the farm has received vital equipment and capacity-building support from Arla. “This partnership is a model that other states should follow,” Muktar stated.

He credited the Kaduna State Government’s support in attracting investment to the dairy sector and emphasised on the potential for Kaduna to become “a major dairy hub within Nigeria and the ECOWAS region.” Muktar also welcomed the creation of the Ministry of Livestock, expressing optimism that it will help address key issues facing the sector.

In her remarks, Kaduna State’s Deputy Governor, Dr. Hadiza Balarabe, reiterated the state government’s commitment to attracting foreign direct investment. She cited Arla’s N10 billion investment in its dairy farm as evidence of Kaduna’s business-friendly environment.

“Arla Farms is boosting our dairy sector and empowering local communities. Modern farming techniques introduced by the company could help resolve the farmer-herder conflict while increasing milk production,” Balarabe said.

In her opening address, Arla’s Managing Director, Peder Pedersen, represented by Senior Corporate Affairs Officer Elele Ogunsanya, commended the Kaduna State Government for its backing. He highlighted the Damau Household Milk Farming Project, which has provided 1,000 local farmers with training and veterinary support.

The District Head of Damau, Malam Auwalu Aliyu, however, called for continued peace in the area to sustain these investments. “Without peace, there can be no investment,” he said.

Meanwhile, diplomats from Denmark, Sweden, and other countries attended the event, underscoring Kaduna’s growing profile as an investment destination.