Maker of Dano Milk, Arla Foods, launched its state-of-the-art dairy in Kaduna which is a new initiative to maintain sustainable production of milk in Nigeria. Arla Foods’ inauguration was done on May 25, 2023, in Damau village, Kubau Local Government Area, Kaduna State by the Executive Governor of Kaduna State, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai. He spoke on the importance of the plan while giving his speech at the inauguration. He stated that this farm diary will be of great significance for the Nigerian dairy sector.
He further applauded Arla Foods for their commitment and optimism in Kaduna local government, and Nigeria as a whole. El-Rufai added that the Arla dairy farm is evidence of the state’s commitment to work with private organizations for provision of an enabling environment which will enhance the economic system in Kaduna State. He implored the incoming governor, Senator Sani Uba, to support Arla Dairy Farm and other private organizations for the rapid development and prosperity of the economy in the State.
Project was designed to achieve SDGs 2, 8, 12 and 17.
Arla Dairy Farm is regarded as the “first of its kind” in Nigeria. This system caters for animal welfare and at the same time increases the sustainable production of milk in Nigeria. The designed project is to house 1000 animals in total, including 400 milk-producing cows. In May 2023, the existing cows in the farm are 216 Danish Holsteins cows which are living and adapting to the new environment gradually. Simon Stevens, the Executive Vice President of Arla Foods International, said the farm completion was an accomplishment with support from partners in Arla Foods’ journey in Nigeria and at the international level.
Steven revealed that the programme was designed in accordance with the goal of achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals 2, 8, 12 and 17. In his statement, he acknowledged the support from Kaduna State Government, NGOs, the community of farmers and other bodies that contributed to the success of the project. Enthusiastically, he expressed his happiness as the celebration of the project is on in Lagos and Denmark, the global headquarters of Arla Foods, given that the company has been pursuing the project for a long time now.
Four million kg of milk to be produced every year.
The Vice President hoped that Nigeria and Nigerians will be filled with pride when they see the progress of the project. Also, he affirmed the company’s commitment to keep contributing to improving the diary sector. Speaking on how the newly launched farm affects Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product, Sune Krogstrup, Danish Ambassador to Nigeria, asserted that the project shows Arla Foods’ dedication to promote the local diary section of the agricultural value chain which will benefit Kaduna’s economy and positively grow the nation’s economy. Mrs. Anna Månsson, the Head of Arla Foods West Africa, highlighted that the inauguration of the project began with the lease agreement signed with the Kaduna State Government which in 2021 to secure farmland and begin the construction process.
Assuredly, Månsson stated the availability of jobs as there are certain employment opportunities for more than 40 workers, and this will give the residents of the Damau community a means of livelihood. She announced to the public that the farm is predicted to, by 2024, produce the total of 1.6 million kg of milk and annually produce a total of 4 million kg of milk. Hence, Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli, the emir of Zazzau, expressed his gratitude to be privileged with honour to experience such an impressive initiative that will boost the economy and help the people of Kaduna.
Herders’ productivity and gain will improve with the project.
Tamar Nandul, the Managing Director of Kaduna Markets Management and Development Company, contributed to the compliments of Nuhu Bamalli as regards the honour and development brought to Kaduna by Arla Foods. Nandul stated the positivity of the project which is an uncommon one in Nigeria and will further end the herds men crisis, improving the productivity and gain for herders. Additionally, Peder Pedersen, the Managing Director, Arla Nigeria, contributed, given the detailed analysis of the project, that it will cater for the welfare of animals and increase productivity of the farm.
Related Link
Arla: Website
