Nestlé Nigeria has committed more than N1.8 billion to enhance the quality of life for pastoralists in and around the Paikon Kore Grazing Reserve in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The declaration was made by Mr. Wassim Elhusseini, Managing Director of Nestlé Nigeria Plc. He spoke on Thursday, February 6 in Abuja during the launching of the Nestlé Dairy Demonstration Farm, as part of the Nestlé Livestock Development Project (NLDP).
According to him, the NLDP, which was introduced in 2019 in partnership with CBI Innovations and 2SCALE, is based on three main principles: resilient communities, better feed (fodder), and better milk.
He added that the project hopes to boost milk production to 30,000 liters per day by 2027, through the use of sophisticated dairy farming methods and enhancing local breeds.
“The NLDP project has invested N1.858 billion and currently collects an average of 6,000 liters of fresh milk daily from 1,600 dairy households,” Elhusseini said.
He reported that between 2021 and 2024, the monthly household income of milk producers who took part in the program increased significantly, from N70,000 to N250,000. Furthermore, He said that better dairy techniques and the creation of supportive community infrastructure were the main drivers of this increase.
He also mentioned that the amount of milk collected at the Paikon Kore center has increased from 200 liters per day in 2021, to an average of 6,000 liters every day, presently.
His statement made available to 9am News Nigeria read: “To date, the project has aggregated over one million liters of raw milk, benefiting 3,000 milk producers who are part of the 83 successful dairy cooperatives established under the NLDP.
“This increase in productivity is a direct result of training over 2,000 pastoralists in dairy practices, vaccinating over 36,000 cattle, and constructing 19 boreholes and 28 water troughs to ensure consistent access to water.“We are establishing a practical model for implementing best dairy practices that will further consolidate and sustain the success of the NLDP, fostering sustainable prosperity for our community of milk producers, aggregators, and farmers,”
Elhusseini noted that the program has reduced rejection rates from 12% in 2021 to 5% in 2024. indicating a considerable improvement in milk quality. He reiterated the company’s objective to reach a critical mass of 30,000 liters of milk production per day by November 2027.
He highlighted the significant contribution this endeavor would make to regional food security.
Minister of Livestock Appreciates Nestlé
Idi Maiha, Minister of Livestock Development praised Nestlé dedication to sustainable farming practices. He described the dairy farm as a significant turning point in Nigeria’s progress toward sustainable livestock development, economic growth, and food security.
He outlined the advantages of the initiative, which include providing a steady source of income for thousands of rural families through the Paikon Kore milk collection hub, increasing productivity through climate-smart sustainable methods, and creating opportunities for local farmers.
Additionally, he reaffirmed the ministry’s dedication to tackling industrial issues like inadequate infrastructure, restricted financial resources, and the requirement for better veterinary care.
Stay tuned to 9am News Nigeria for more Breaking News, Business News, Sports updates And Entertainment Gists.
