The Federal Ministry of Livestock Development has trained 100 small-scale dairy farmers in Ibadan, Oyo State, as part of efforts to boost local milk production and strengthen Nigeria’s dairy industry.
The training focused on dairy farming best practices, improved animal husbandry, and sustainable methods of milk production, collection, and processing.
The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Livestock Development, Idris Ajimobi, described the initiative as a key step towards improving farmers’ capacity and increasing national dairy output.
He said empowering grassroots farmers remains essential to achieving self-sufficiency in livestock production, adding that improved productivity and quality would help build a sustainable dairy value chain that benefits rural communities and the country.
Ajimobi also reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to developing the livestock sector through targeted policies, partnerships, and intervention programmes, while encouraging participants to apply the knowledge gained within their communities.
The Oyo State Coordinator of the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development, Florence Kalulu, noted that smallholder dairy farmers play a vital role in local milk production and community sustenance.
She identified low productivity, poor animal health management, inadequate hygiene practices, and limited access to modern farming techniques as major challenges affecting the dairy sector.
According to her, the programme aligns with the National Livestock Growth Acceleration Strategy aimed at improving productivity, reducing dependence on imports, strengthening food security, and enhancing livelihoods.
The training covered areas such as sustainable feed supply, pasture development, feed conservation, breed improvement, feeding practices for milking cows, herd health management, and milk handling.
President of the Women in Dairy Production Association, Racheal Eyitayo-Ariori, commended the government for prioritising the dairy sector and called for increased participation of women in dairy production.
A participant, Moyosore Olatunde, also advocated greater youth involvement in dairy farming, stressing the need for government support to encourage innovation among young farmers.
The programme featured classroom sessions, interactive discussions, pictorial demonstrations, and practical training. Participants also received support materials including heifers, feeQT Places Error: the selected post type doesn't exists or is not active in the plugin settings.d, and salt licks to improve dairy operations and productivity.
The ministry said similar interventions would be expanded across the country to modernise the livestock sector and promote sustainable growth in dairy production.
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