The Kaduna State Government has commended the management of Arla Foods Nigeria for its investment on the Arla Farm project, which would contribute to the sustainable development and improvement of milk and dairy production in Nigeria.

This was the submission of top government officials during the visit of the delegation to Arla Farm last weekend at Damau, Kaduna State.

Managing Director, Arla Foods Nigeria, Peder Pedersen, described the visit as a strong validation of its support and commitment towards the success of the project, noting that the company is committed to leading the way on sustainable dairy farming and contributing to the development of the local dairy industry.

Pedersen stated that the company is quite optimistic that Nigeria can attain self-sufficiency in milk production provided the right investments and partnerships are made.

Speaking during the tour of the facility at the farm, Senior Manager, Raw Milk Supply and Production, Snorri Sigurdsson stated that they are committed to making Kaduna State the number one destination for dairy milk production in Nigeria.

Also speaking, Commissioner for Agriculture, Kaduna State, Murtala Dabo, noted that the progress recorded at the farm was impressive. Dabo added that with the kind of improved dairy farming practice and technology introduced on the farm, as well as plans for knowledge transfer to local farmers, milk production would be scaled up, thereby helping Nigeria to achieve self-sufficiency.

He stated that with the eventual take-off of the Damau household milk farm project within the axis, Kaduna State would soon become a hub for milk production in Nigeria. According to him, the support of the state government underscores its commitment to providing a lasting solution to the issue of farmer/herder clashes currently ravaging the country.

Commissioner for Business, Innovation and Technology, Kaduna State, Patience Fakai, revealed that the project would impact the state’s economy, given that it offers opportunities to train youths and creates job opportunities.

Special Adviser, Investment and Promotion to Kaduna State Governor, Sabiu Sani, also stated that he was satisfied with the quality of the facilities in place and Arla’s commitment towards the development of the enterprise. Sani stressed that the facility would serve as a supporting infrastructure for the household milk farm project the government intends to embark upon.

According to him, 1000 local Fulani herdsmen recruited by the state government will be settled at the Damau household milk farm with access to facilities and markets for their products.

Managing Director, Kaduna Markets Development and Management Company, Tamar Nandul, noted that the state government is happy with the partnership as well as Arla’s commitment towards the project’s realisation.

He disclosed that the planned investment of $20 million by the company for the construction of a milk processing plant on the farm is a great testament to the project’s viability. She stressed that the state government would continue to support the project’s success, adding that N15 billion has been earmarked by Kaduna Markets Development and Management Company in partnership with the Central Bank of Nigeria to develop infrastructure around the farm.